Ubiquitous in the fabric of British ancient churches, castles and houses, in
documents, and on monuments and stained glass, heraldry represents a treasure
house of information for both the historian and the genealogist.
Here Stephen Friar, an experienced armorist and historian, provides the
reader with the keys to unlock the mysteries of heraldry's language, conventions
and traditions. The origins of heraldry and its significance in the lives of our
noble and gentle forebears are considered, as are the interpretation of heraldic
devices; the systems of marshalling which record affiliation, marriage and
inheritance; cadency, by which younger members of a family may be identifies;
and the symbols themselves, which often contain obscure references to a family's
history and its fluctuating relationship with the Crown. The conventions of
armory are explained, and there is a useful section on the interpretation of
blazon, the language of heraldry, complemented with an illustrated glossary.
With over 100 black and white photographs, 16 pages of colour illustrations
and exquisite line drawings, this volume provides a fascinating and
comprehensive introduction to the subject.
Contents:
List of Colour Plates
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Heraldry: An Historical Perspective
2. Armigers: Nobility and Gentry
3. Documents, Seals and Manuscripts
4. Architectural and Decorative Features
5. Monuments, Effigies, Brasses and Hatchments
6. Heraldic Artefacts
7. Blazon: The Terminology of Armory
8. Marshalling, Cadency and Augmentations of Honour
9. Liveries, Badges and Other Devices
10. Royal Heraldry
Appendix 1: Further Reading
Appendix 2: Addresses
Glossary and Index
