| This is a revised and updated edition of the book that was first published to great acclaim in 1981. It presents, for the first time, a comprehensive account of both the heraldic and the genealogical history of European royalty. Starting with the beginning of heraldry in the eleventh century, the two experts who collaborated to make the book, present the heraldic shields as well as the genealogy of all the royal families of Europe, both past and present. The genealogical tables provide detailed family trees, country by country. The coats-of-arms representing the various matrimonial alliances sho how heraldic devices evolved and developed from simple symbols to complex quarterings. Additional tables highlight the most important historical events involving dynastic succession. The text describes the historical background to each royal family tree, and shows how such events are reflected in the make-up of the royal coats-of-arms. The result is a fascinating historical document, as well as an important contribution to the literature of heraldry.
Contents:
Foreword 1. Introduction to Heraldry 2. England: Medieval 3. Great Britain 4. Scotland 5. Denmark 6. Norway 7. Sweden 8. Netherlands and Luxembourg 9. Belgium 10. Spain: Medieval 11. Spain: Hapsburg and Bourbon 12. Monaco 13. Dynastic Relations 14. France: Medieval 15. France: Modern 16. Napoleon 17. Austria: Hapsburg 18. Austria: Modern 19. Brandenburg, Prussia and Germany 20. Brunswick and Hanover 21. Saxony 22. Holy Roman Empire 23. Portugal 24. Savoy, Sardinia and Italy 25. Russia 26. Greece Index
Reviews:
'The best, the most useful and most beautiful book in English on European royal genealogy that I have ever read ... ablaze with colour ... I have no criticism to make of this splendid book' - Sir Iain Moncreiffe of that Ilk [Review of the first edition] 'Splendidly emblazoned ... excellent text ... if heraldry really is 'the floral border of history', then this book must rank as a herbaceous border of almost tropical splendour and the widest provenance' - The Times |