“Their descriptions are good, and their arguments always worth attention and generally convincing.... The plans ... are clear and good, and by themselves make the book a most valuable addition to the library of any man who wishes to study and understand the defensive architecture of the Middle Ages. The book has another value in that it preserves a record of so many buildings in the state they are now. Many are neglected and daily falling more and more into ruin.”—Athenæum.
“No one acquainted with the history of Great Britain can take up this neatly-bound volume ... without being at once struck by its careful completeness and extreme archæological interest, while all students of architectural style will welcome the work specially for its technical thoroughness.”—Building News.
“The authors merit the thanks of all architectural readers, professional and amateur, for the production of a very well studied and illustrated hand-book of a most interesting class of ancient buildings.”—The Builder.
“Careful observation and accurate description appear to specially characterise this work.”—British Architect.
“In its complete form the merits of the work are more apparent, and we have no hesitation in saying that we consider it to be far superior to any of the preceding books on the subject.”—The Architect.
“A learned, painstaking, and highly important work.”—Scottish Review.
“The best authority upon the architecture of Scottish Castles yet issued.”—Dundee Advertiser.
“To the intelligent readers of all classes, we can cordially recommend it as a very interesting and suggestive book.”—Daily Free Press, Aberdeen.
“Messrs. MacGibbon and Ross now show in sketches of ground plans and elevations such a series of domestic structures as not only indicates the gradual progress of Scottish architecture from times comparatively rude, but permits the development to be traced in such a way as determines the stages of progress or ‘Periods’ into which its history may be naturally divided.”—Glasgow Herald.
“Highly interesting and picturesque work.”—Edinburgh Review.