An Introduction to Heraldry

By Stefan Oliver

An Introduction to Heraldry reveals the herald's office as the origin of the heraldic tradition. The coats of arms continue to serve the primary function they always have, that of identification, but... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0785812482
• ISBN13: 9780785812487
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Chartwell Books
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 9.0" x 11.9"

Customer Reviews

Easy To Grasp Explanation of a Confusing Topic

Heraldry is not an easy topic to grasp. There are so many rules of use, esoteric terms to define everything from color, to subject, to shape. This book is the best introduction you'll find. Be forewarned, this is not the usual "What's Your Name?--Here's Your Coat of Arms!" encyclopedic look-up. Instead, it shows examples of heraldry and explains in full detail just what information can be derived from the coat. What is the importance of animals, weapons, figures, mottos, colors, and shapes? Where did heraldry come from? What were the rules regarding the changes of the coat of arms down through children, crossed by marriage, changed by death? This book is a beautifully illustrated and comprehensively written introduction to the beginning of your understanding to heraldry. It makes for a charming coffee table book that you'll refer to again and again.

A good primer to heraldry

This is a good primer for heraldry but, be warned, there is no identification of the device or charges time period. Apart from that I would thouroughly recommend this book for anyone who, like me, is a beginner in the compelling world of heraldry. Above all, the title is accurate and does not try to be all things to everyone.