Heraldry is a living survival of the great medieval world of European chivalry. First introduced as a means of identification in battle and in tournaments, it gradually spread to society as a whole. Today the knights-in-armour and many of the families who bore these coats of arms have disappeared, but the heraldic tradition survives in the royal arms, flags, emblems, road signs, sports badges and corporate logos of the modern world.
Provides an illustrated guide to heraldry, the colors and designs on shields that provided personal identification for knights and rulers during the middle twelfth century in northern Europe, and examines the history and meaning behind the symbols.
Dive into the fascinating world of heraldry with "A Complete Guide to Heraldry" by Charles Fox Davies. This comprehensive resource unravels the rich history and intricate details of coats of arms, crests, and heraldic symbols that have defined noble lineage for centuries. What secrets lie behind the colors and designs of a family crest? Discover the art and science that govern this ancient tradition! From the origins of heraldry to its modern-day applications, this guide offers readers an in-depth understanding of heraldic terminology, rules, and the symbolism associated with each element. Whether you are a historian, a genealogist, or simply curious about your own heritage, this book is an essential tool for unlocking the stories behind the symbols. Are you ready to uncover the meaning behind your family’s emblem? Richly illustrated and thoroughly researched, Davies’ guide serves not only as a reference but as an invitation to explore the cultural significance of heraldry. You’ll gain insights into how these emblems have shaped identities and represented honor throughout the ages. Now is your chance to become an expert in this captivating field. Will you seize the opportunity to elevate your knowledge of heraldry? Take the first step into the realm of noble symbols. Purchase "A Complete Guide to Heraldry" today and embark on your journey into a world of heritage and tradition!
Coats of arms were at first used only by kings and princes, then by their great nobles, but by the mid-13th century arms were being used extensively by the lesser nobility, knights and those who later came to be styled gentlemen. In some countries the use of arms spread even to merchants, townspeople and the peasantry. From the mundane to the fantastic, from simple geometric patterns to elaborate mythological beasts, this fascinating work by Terence Wise explores the origins and appearance of medieval heraldic devices in an engagingly readable style accompanied by numerous illustrations including eight full page colour plates by Richard Hook.
Early modern heraldry was far from a nostalgic remnant from a feudal past. From the Reformation to the French Revolution, aspiring men seized on these signs to position themselves in a changing society, imbuing heraldic tradition with fresh meaning. Whereas post-medieval developments are all too often described in terms of decadence and stifling formality, recent studies rightly stress the dynamic capacity of bearing arms. Heraldic Hierarchies aims to correct former misconceptions. Contributing authors rethink the influence of shifting notions of nobility on armorial display and expand this topic to heraldry’s share in shaping and contesting status. Moreover, addressing a common thread, the volume explores how emerging states turned the heraldic experience into an instrument of power and policy. Contributing to debates on social and noble identity, Heraldic Hierarchies uncovers a vital and surprising aspect of the pre-modern hierarchical world.
Heraldry is now. Heraldry is fun. And most of all, heraldry is Canadian! A Canadian Heraldic Primer dispels, once and for all, the myth that coats of arms are boring, snobbish, mediaeval holdovers that have no relevance today. Using cartoons, humour, and not a little irreverence (in which is concealed a surprising amount of information), Kevin Greaves explains the history behind heraldry's unique conventions and language, and explores its creative possibilities. He shows heraldry as part of the fabric of Canada's past, present, and future, and illustrates how this lively art has become livelier since Canada became master of its own heraldic system in 1988.
Through the ages, as warfare and competitive rituals became more elaborate, heraldry evolved into an exact art and science. Used to denote accomplishments as well as the genealogies of outstanding individuals and families, these symbols survived the way of life that created them. This remarkably rich sourcebook of royalty-free designs describes the origins and ancient forms of heraldic devices, shields, and trademarks. Over 500 black-and-white drawings trace the history and meaning of the coat, shield, crests, helmets, blazonry, and "attitudes and attributes" of symbols, with considerable attention given to devices such as beasts, monsters, and human and part-human figures. American, British, French, Russian, and other coats of arms are displayed, as are insignias of the Pope and clergy, state seals, and emblems of many modern institutions. In addition to personal, commercial, and family arms, chapters also provide information on the use of heraldry in advertising, brand-labeling, and related fields. A valuable visual reference for anyone interested in genealogy, these handsome images will add a touch of class to a variety of art and craft projects.
