Discovering Heraldry (Discovering Books) by Jacqueline Fearn

Shire Discovering #250

by Jacqueline Fearn

The romance and legend surrounding the knight in shining armor have intrigued people for centuries. Heraldry, which has its roots in the tournaments these knights fought to display their skill and courage, also remains a fascinating subject, especially with the recent interest in tracing one’s family history. "Discovering Heraldry" is a concise and thorough introduction to heraldry and its language, which is easily learned with a little practice. Each term is explained with illustrations and clear text, so that the reader will understand what a coat of arms consists of and the rules that govern its arrangement. The book traces the development of heraldry, beginning with the first truly heraldic shield of Geoffrey of Anjou in 1127. There are chapters on the shield, badges, flags, civil and ecclesiastical heraldry, heraldry in many countries, and royal heraldry. A bibliography for further reading and a thorough index complete this informative book.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval

Paperback

Reviews

[Gizmo]

Es un buen glosario en algunas partes y por momentos se pone demasiado descriptivo sin entrar en detalles de las razones detrás de cada decisión que un poco era lo que más me interesaba. Para ingresar en el mundo de la terminología la verdad que está muy bueno.

[Noah]

While it is informative it’s also very dry which makes each section seem to drag on. If you’re deeply interested in heraldry it’s worth reading but otherwise you’re better off skipping it

[John Somers]

08/20.

[Gwynfor]

✔️

[Steven]

This book attempts to fill a void in books on heraldry between intimidating tomes and overly simplified, brief, and inaccurate handbooks. It seems to be a very good introduction. I appreciated the several illustrations for the sake of clarity. Although most of the book explains terminology, Fearn includes some background, historical tidbits, and notes on the use.

I was really fascinated. Okay, there was a part about crests that I found fairly dull, but I loved the rest. That said, I don't think most people will find the "The diamond-shaped fusil is a slim lozenge while the mascle is a voided lozenge and the rustre (rarely found) is a lozenge with a round hole" approach as exciting as I do.

If you're interested in blazon or the historic use of arms, this would be a good place to start.

[Fredrick Danysh]

Knights and nobility have traditionally had coats of arms to identify themselves on the field of battle. This work examines how they are created and the symbols on them.

[Brad Wheeler]

A great introduction and reference to heraldry. I actually got a lot more out of the various churches and castles I visited having read this book first.

[Chris Johnson]

Handy little guide.