Boutell's Heraldry

by John P. Brooke-Little

Discusses heraldic history, language, and mottoes, official and corporate heraldry, and recent trends and developments

Genres: Reference

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1863

Reviews

[Michael Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the most popular general text on the subject, and with good reason. From the first appearance of Boutell’s Manual of Heraldry in 1863, through the dozen or more revisions and complete rewrites that followed, its purpose always has been to provide clearly written, up-to-date information on (primarily) the British system of heraldry for the general reader. Relatively nontechnical, considering the subject, it includes a sampling of many subordinate topics: The history of heraldry, definitions and specialized terminology, the visual art of armory, differencing and cadency, the crest and motto, royal heraldry and orders of knighthood, and "recent trends and developments." The Warner reprint is well-illustrated, with numerous color plates.

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Referenced rather than read end-to-end. Exhaustive as far as I am concerned.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5-star in the world of books on heraldry! If you want to really learn the subject, this is a really clear, detailed book. (English heraldry, that is)

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Reference on heraldry from a Victorian prospective...good stuff.

[Harald · Rating 5 out of 5]

My go to reference for anything heraldic.....