Coats of arms were at first used only by kings and princes, then by their great nobles, but by the mid-13th century arms were being used extensively by the lesser nobility, knights and those who later came to be styled gentlemen. In some countries the use of arms spread even to merchants, townspeople and the peasantry. From the mundane to the fantastic, from simple geometric patterns to elaborate mythological beasts, this fascinating work by Terence Wise explores the origins and appearance of medieval heraldic devices in an engagingly readable style accompanied by numerous illustrations including eight full page colour plates by Richard Hook.
By:
Terence Wise Illustrated by:
Richard Hook, William Walker Imprint: Osprey Country of Publication: United Kingdom Volume: 99 Dimensions:
Height: 248mm,
Width: 184mm,
Spine: 5mm
Weight: 196g ISBN:9780850453485 ISBN 10: 0850453488 Series:Men-at-Arms Pages: 48 Publication Date:20 May 2012 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction · On Heraldry and Heralds · The Shield · Blazon · The Livery and Maintenance System · Crests · The Plates
