Discovering Heraldry

Shire Discovering #250

by Jacqueline Fearn

Heraldry's unfamiliar terminology discourages people from learning more about this fascinating subject but heraldic language is essential for the precise description of a coat of arms. This book provides a gentle introduction explaining terms and providing basic principles.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval

96 pages, Paperback

Published March 4, 2008

Reviews

[Gizmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 · Rating 2 out of 5]

08/20.

[Gwynfor · Rating 4 out of 5]

✔️

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.