Basic Heraldry

An introduction to heraldry for the layman. It begins with the history, which touches on crucial moments and figures in the past such as the Crusaders, the Black Prince, Richard III and the Battle of Bosworth , Henry VIII and his wives and children. It describes the colourful medieval tournaments, the orders of chivalry such as the Garter and the Bath and peerage. Also examined are the distinctive Scottish, Welsh and Irish systems of heraldry, some Continental examples and the American inheritance. There is also an informed analysis of the elements in a coat of arms: the shield, tinctures, charges, helm and crest. All this is complemented with drawings which cover every aspect and period of the subject from a Roman standard to the coat of arms of President Eisenhower.

A coat of arms contains many elements including shield, tinctures, charges, helm, crest, wreath, and motto scroll. With these symbols, leading families and monarchs were distinguished. This new title complements Friar's earlier work, A Dictionary of Heraldry (Harmony, 1987). Friar is a heraldic consultant, founder of the Society of Heraldic Arts, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Ferguson is a graduate of the Royal College of Art and a heraldic illustrator.

This introduction to heraldry describes its beginnings in ancient times and its history from the age of chivalry to the modern period. Crusader's pennons and banners, helms and seals of conquerers, livery collars, and the development of the Union Jack are among the dozens of drawings offered in this well-illustrated volume. Degrees of British peerage (duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron) are briefly explained and accompanied by artistic renderings of the coronet and coronation robes. The section titled "Orders of Chivalry" discusses the Order of the Garter, the Order of Bath, and others. Notes on civic, corporate, and ecclesiastical heraldry complete the history. Following are details and illustrations of the principal elements of a coat of arms. A brief list of suggested reading, addresses of heraldry societies, and an index complete the work.

Emphasizing color illustrations and reproductions of works of art in a handbook approach, Neubecker's Guide to Heraldry (McGraw-Hill, 1979) does not systematically trace the roots of heraldry as does Basic Heraldry. The historical perspective and attractive illustrations make Basic Heraldry a useful addition to libraries, though public libraries may want to put it in the circulating collection.