Shield And Crest: An Account of the Art and Science of Heraldry

by Julian Franklyn

While this work is mainly devoted to British heraldry--its development and usage, with accounts of the shields, crests, charges, banners, helmets, devices, orders of chivalry, language, and so forth--it contains much material that cannot be found elsewhere, such as important information on heraldry in the U.S., South Africa, and Japan. The entirety of the work is profusely illustrated with inset shields and heraldic devices, including sixteen full-page plates with nearly 200 coats-of-arms!

558 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1967

Reviews

[Michael Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Blazonry is as factual and concise as a bill of lading." The late author’s two-year course in heraldry at the City Literary Institute in London was the first awakening of serious interest in the subject for many later authorities, and this volume became their home reference. It’s still one of the most reliable printed sources around. Throughout the chapters on colors, ordinaries, charges, helmets, heraldic beasts and plants, differencing, and royal heraldry, are interspersed brief and often witty historical essays, genealogical anecdotes, thoughtful speculation as to the origins of various devices, and detailed comments on proper interpretation by heraldic artists. Franklyn assumes some knowledge of English history, and while there is a scattering of color plates, the 465 annotated black-and-white illustrations actually are far more useful.