The Complete Book of Heraldry

by Stephen Slater

Accessible and contemporary in style, this book is a clear introduction to novices and contains much of interest to the expert. It is lavishly illustrated with newly commissioned art.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Art, Medieval, Military Fiction, Historical

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 25, 2002

Reviews

[A.E. Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

A number of errors in the historical sections. Given the author’s background in heraldry, I assume these sections are accurate, but can’t personally speak to it one way or another.

[Orsolya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coat of arms, shields, crests, helmets… This may sound like a day at a medieval tournament. Yet, heraldry is a precise language, art, and even a science. It is one which can denote the entire history, alliances, and structure of families or organizations. Stephen Slater, a leading expert in heraldry, opens up this field to readers in, “The Complete Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses”.

“The Complete Book Heraldry” is a meshing of a glossy paged, colorful, coffee table book with that of an academic text book. Even though the pages are filled with hundreds of illustrations; the text is not comprised or dummied down. Slater partitions “The Complete Book of Heraldry” by first observing the history of heraldry, the language, and every little element of a coat of arms (field, charges, quartering, labels, etc); while the second section focuses on shields and its uses in various countries in more recent times.

Initially, “The Complete Book of Heraldry” has a somewhat slow start and it can be said that Slater is quite dry in his writing style. However, this picks up as he dives into detailing every little topic and aspect of heraldry. The reader will be fascinated by the extensive coverage and how much is involved in the world of heraldry that is generally not thought upon. Admittedly, this can be overwhelming at times because the amount of information present is engorged. One will feel the need to take breaks to absorb it all while being tempted to take notes.

Slater helps the reader understand the material by providing an abundance of examples both within the text and visually. The graphics and charts are easy to understand in a text book fashion and help break down the headiness. Also helpful is that each topic ends on the bottom of the page. This may seem like a minor detail but it is very helpful to not have to flip back-and-forth. Slater also describes terminology within the text (although a glossary is also provided) so that the reader isn’t expected to already know it all previous to reading “The Complete Book of Heraldry”.

The text in “The Complete Book of Heraldry” suffers from some inconsistencies in writing style and pace. Some pages are written more casually and flow smoothly while the next is slower and dry. This may simply reflect the personal interests of Slater but the up-and-down pace negatively affects the reader.

Much of the book’s content concentrates on England which makes sense due to the author’s career and residential background being England. However, this weakens the aim of “The Complete Book of Heraldry” which claims to be an overall international look.

In the second half of “The Complete Book of Heraldry”; Slater takes a sort of social history approach to the topic by exploring the applications of heraldry by royalty, civic and state organizations, and global ventures. This section is noticeably less illuminating than the former and tends to stray from heraldry focusing on other symbolic means used by the aforementioned groups. This results in slightly tedious reading.

Slater concludes “The Complete Book of Heraldry” with a brief preposition of the field’s future and an explanation of the process involved in obtaining arms. Followed by a glossary; this is a steady wrap up of the subject and helps “The Complete Book of Heraldry” not end abruptly which is the chief error of many books of a similar nature.

“The Complete Book of Heraldry” is quite riveting and enthralling in terms of the plethora of information presented, the glorious illustrations, and well-organized pages. Its only weakness which could detour many readers is its dry, text book-like style; thus making it more suitable for readers with a pre-existing interest in the topic. Regardless, it is impossible to not come away with knowledge gained and a deepened respect for heraldry. “The Complete Book of Heraldry” is a strong piece suggested for all readers with an interest on the topic (even if remote).

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name]

So believe it or not I cannot understand the terms used to describe heraldic devices. I cannot picture them in my head at all. I got tired of being so confused so I found this book. I’m not quite sure what age audience it’s geared toward, but it really doesn’t matter as long as I know the basics by the end.

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just happened to spot this at an outlet store recently and I'm glad I spent the money on this because it was a fascinating read.

[Ryan Welt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot and it’s beautifully illustrated but my copy is seamlessly missing 17 pages in the Global Heraldry section.

[Michelle Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, good information, easy to peruse through. Did I say great pictures? Artists will love the inspiration available from looking at these heraldic designs.

[Tree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overall guide to international heraldry with a slight bent towards English traditions, but not surprising considering the author's background. All in all very enjoyable.

[CR Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite heraldry book for its simplicity. Heraldry can be SOOOOO...ugh!

[Georgina Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide on the history of heraldry. Images take the reader through an intensive story about icons and designs. A very inspiring book for this reader while I’m creating a story with these elements.

[Bernard M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book on Heraldry.

[Deb Omnivorous Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A large hardcover book with lots of colourful pictures, well organised chapters and a tongue in cheek attitude to a subject that it too often treated ponderously. It is however a very good beginners book for someone who wants to quickly and easily acquire a primer for basic heraldry. I read it, enjoyed it and expect to use it as a reference should I ever need information about heraldry.

[Megan]

The complete book of heraldry: An international history of heraldry and its contemporary uses by Stephen Slater (2003)

[Alan Leddon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting an informative, with fascinating historical insights.