Discovering heraldry

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.