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 The result is a fascinating historical document, as well as an important contribution to the literature of heraldry.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
