Boutell's Heraldry

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Though heraldry may seem distant from modern utilities, it captivates with its rich history and aesthetic appeal. This revised and expanded work, primarily based on the Reverend Charles Boutell's writings, aims to enhance its popularity. J. P. Brooke-Little, who undertook the revision, characterizes heraldry as a dynamic entity, ever-changing and reflective of contemporary social and artistic trends. He supports this view with a new section on recent developments in the heraldic realm. The text is complemented by twenty-eight color plates and over four hundred illustrations, along with a comprehensive glossary and index of heraldic terminology. The contents cover a wide range of topics, starting from the origins and evolution of heraldry to definitions, heraldic language, and blazoning. It explores the shield and coat of arms, tinctures, lines, fields, and various forms of heraldry, including ordinaries, crosses, and charges. The book also addresses differencing, cadency, augmentations, marshalling, crests, badges, mottoes, supporters, crowns, orders of knighthood, and the royal heraldry of Great Britain and Ireland. Additionally, it delves into official and corporate heraldry, Commonwealth and foreign heraldry, flags, the functions of heralds, and authoritative sources. A select bibliography is included for further reading, making this a comprehensive resource on the subject.