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Heraldry

The history of heraldry, including sources, symbolism, traditional and contemporary use. Cover art may vary.

  • Heraldry: An Introduction to a Noble TraditionHeraldry: An Introduction to a Noble Tradition
    Michel Pastoureau

    Includes a glossary of crests, a history of the European tradition of heraldry, its origins, the meaning of its colors and symbols and how heraldic arms have evolved.

    Paperback: 143 pages

  • Medieval HeraldryMedieval Heraldry
    Terence Wise

    One of the excellent volumes from the Men at Arms series, this book explores the origins and appearance of medieval heraldic devices. Features many illustrations, including eight full page color plates.

    Paperback: 48 pages

  • The Oxford Guide to HeraldryThe Oxford Guide to Heraldry
    Thomas Woodcock

    Authoritative guide to heraldry written by Britain's Officers of Arms. Covers the origins and evolution of heraldic art, technical aspects of blazoning, and proper decorative use of heraldry.

    Paperback: 256 pages

  • Heraldry, Pageantry and Social Display in Medieval EnglandHeraldry, Pageantry and Social Display in Medieval England
    Peter Coss and Maurice Keen

    Heavily illustrated volume examines family and lineage, social distinction and aspiration, ceremony and social bonding, and the expression of power and authority. The media include monumental effigies, brasses, stained glass, rolls of arms, manuscripts, jewels, plate, seals and coins.

    Paperback: 288 pages

  • The Complete Book of HeraldryThe Complete Book of Heraldry:
    An International History of Heraldry and Its Contemporary Uses
    Stephen Slater

    A clear introduction to heraldry for novices, with much of interest to the expert. Lavishly illustrated with newly commissioned art.

    Hardcover: 256 pages

  • An Introduction to HeraldryAn Introduction to Heraldry
    W.H. St. John Hope

    Classic work, enhanced with 165 illustrations, explains the origins of heraldry, defines its terms and apparatus, and demonstrates how individuals and families arranged and distinguished their coats of arms. Includes a useful section on heraldic nomenclature.

    Paperback: 128 pages

  • Irish Book of Arms: Genealogy & HeraldryIrish Book of Arms: Genealogy & Heraldry
    Michael C. O'Laughlin

    The first book to capture both the arms and family history of the old Irish Septs, and the newer settler families from Scotland and England. Documented with locations, dates and sources, coats of arms and blazons, exactly as they are found in the old works in the Irish Archives. Seats of power, forfeited arms, extinct lines, noble orders, and badges are included.

    Hardcover: 160 pages

  • Scottish Clan and Family Names: Their Arms, Origins and TartansScottish Clan and Family Names:
    Their Arms, Origins and Tartans
    Roddy Martine

    Comprehensive guide to the surnames of Scotland, including the history, areas of family lands, castles and tartans – both ancient and modern – associated with the powerful clans of the Highlands and the great families of the Lowlands. Features 240 tartan patterns, armorial crest illustrations, photos of clan castles and maps. Includes an extensive cross-index of sept names.

    Paperback: 224 pages

  • Clans and TartansClans and Tartans
    James MacKay

    Looks at the origins, both geographical and historical, of tartans from Scottish clans. Lavishly illustrated with over 300 color photographs, this is an indispensable guide to Celtic ancestry.

    Hardcover: 256 pages

  • Scottish Clans and Tartans: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Over 140 ClansScottish Clans and Tartans: A Fully Illustrated Guide to Over 140 Clans
    Neil Grant

    Authoritative, elegantly composed guide covers over 140 clans. Organized alphabetically, the entries include information on each clan's location and history, its nomenclature, and renowned clansmen – as well as the clan's current status and development.

    Hardcover: 272 pages

  • Scottish Tartans in Full ColorScottish Tartans in Full Color
    James Grant

    Tartans of 72 Highland clans, each presented in a full-page, full-color, large-format illustration. With a new introduction to tartans by J. Charles Thompson, Fellow of the Scottish Tartan Society and a noted authority in the field.

    Paperback: 80 pages