| This is a classic work on American heraldry, a careful elucidation of practice and principles. Of the myriad books written on the subject, including scores of books by British authors which treat the subject in an equivocal and perfunctory manner, this alone has become a standard fixture on the reference shelves and the book most frequently consulted by librarians for an explanation of the art and science of heraldry as it applies to Americans. With chapters on virtually every aspect of heraldry, and with more than 950 illustrations in support of the text, it may be observed without risk of overstatement that the book is practically definitive. Consideration is given to flags, seals, coins, shields, crests, achievements, charges, badges, mottoes, and supporters, and to cadency, marshalling, and blazoning. There is even a helpful chapter on French and German heraldry and a fifty-page glossary of terms. And of course all matters heraldic are approached from an American perspective. While the work is largely a compilation of all modern works on heraldry, it contains, to quote the author, "a collection of material_gathered from the use of royal and other seals upon Colonial documents, and individual coat-armor upon old tombstones, hatchments, tables, family plate, wills, deeds, etc._showing an early practice and wide recognition of heraldry in America." - United States - General Reference - Heraldry |
