The King and His Castle by Peter O. Kruckmann

Neuschwanstein Castle

Even though Neuschwanstein Castle was only built in the 19th century, it looks like a story-book image of a mediaeval palace. It was the model for Walt Disney's fantasy castle and used in the famous children's film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang".
Neuschwanstein Castle was referred to as "New Hohenschwangau Castle" until the king's death, when it was later named after the Swan Knight, Lohengrin, of Wagner's opera of the same name.

King Ludwig II

From an early age, Prince Ludwig (later to become King Ludwig II of Bavaria) was fascinated by buildings, and by the age of eight his sketchbook was filled with illustrations of castles. As a young adult he was able to turn his dreams into palatial grandeur. Neuschwanstein's construction proved to be a great feat of engineering and it now ranks as one of Germany's most visited tourist attractions. Detailed illustrations and photographs lead us through the individual rooms of the palace and introduce us to the life and legacy of King Ludwig II.
Owing to his eccentricites and his perceived use of Bavarian funds, King Ludwig II was removed from power before the castle was completed. Soon after Ludwig's mysterious death (he was found in Lake Starnberg) in 1886, the castle was opened to the public.