*Includes pictures *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading Castles have always fascinated people. They speak of a bygone time when gallant knights faced each other in mortal combat to win a lady's favor, and they bring up images of the chivalry and monarchs of old. In countless romance novels and movies, castles have been the backdrop for sweeping drama, romance, and adventure. Of course, the reality was a bit different. In many castles, lice-ridden tyrants abused sick peasants while their offspring and spouses plotted to knock them off. Masters abused servants, servants poisoned masters, and every now and then, an attacking army came through the land, burning and pillaging. Then there were sieges, and if a few well-placed catapult stones didn't kill the defenders, they would probably starve to death after the food supply was cut off. Given their grim past, it is not surprising that castles have become centers for stories of paranormal activity, with ghosts replaying the dreadful events that threw them into their unwanted afterlives. Haunted Castles across the World: A Collection of Supernatural Tales about the World's Most Historical Fortifications is a collection of such tales, just a few among the thousands that have attached themselves to fortifications around the globe. Readers who like ghost stories might also be interested in other titles in the Ghosts series published by Charles River Editors also written by Sean McLachlan, including The Ghosts of England: A Collection of Ghost Stories across the English Nation, The Ghosts of Scotland: A Collection of Ghost Stories across the Scottish Nation, and The Ghosts of Ireland: A Collection of Ghost Stories across the Emerald Isle. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about some of the world's most famous haunted castles like never before.