Lines Of Succession - Heraldry Of The Royal Families Of Europe

by Jiří Louda, Michael Maclagan

This is a revised and updated edition of the book that was first published to great acclaim in 1981. It presents, for the first time, a comprehensive account of both the heraldic and the genealogical history of European royalty. Starting with the beginning of heraldry in the eleventh century, the two experts who collaborated to make the book present the heraldic shields as well as the genealogy of all the royal families of Europe, past and present.

The genealogical tables provide detailed family trees, country by country. Tot coats-of -arms representing the various matrimonial and alliances show how heraldic devices evolved and developed from simple symbols to complex quartering. Additional tables highlight the most important historical events involving dynastic succession. The text describes with many pithy asides the historical background to each royal family tree, and shows how such events are reflected in the make-up of the royal coats-of-arms. The result is a fascinating historical document, as well as an important contribution to the literature of heraldry.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Royalty, Own, Historical

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Caroline]

Goodreads needs a category called ‘Acquisition’ for books you want to recommend as reference works but can’t claim to have read through.

This is a book that I have been looking for without having a specific title in mind. So many times I’ve been reading history and the author will refer to ‘Charles II’ or ‘Margaret’ or ‘Phillip III,’ and I have to ask ‘WHICH Phillip III?’ But my voice echoes in the room unanswered by the author. For someone who’s not native to the country or region, or not a historian on the topic, it’s not always clear whether it’s a ruler of that country or of another one involved in the train of events. When the Holy Roman Empire or the various states of Germany and Italy are involved , it gets even more complicated. I need to know more, anyway, and succinctly. Who was he/she related to? How long did he/she live? Who ruled the surrounding countries? What allies by marriage were created by the family?

This looks like a great way to get oriented in such situations. There are very detailed family trees by country and time period, with links to send you on to adjoining family trees. (As a bonus and to break up the page, there is a lot of heraldry in color.) there are also very brief potted histories interspersed, along with occasional portraits.

Each country’s section starts with a summary line of succession (no dates), which is then followed by detailed tables showing all the children, all the dates, etc. For the countries I’ve checked, the family trees start about the year 1000 CE.


The only drawbacks: very small italic print in the family trees, and small font in general. You may need a magnifying glass. But worth the trouble.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A focused look at royalty in Europe through their heraldry - the symbols of their families and countries. Divided by country, each chapter includes a detailed biography and geneological tables decorated with the different emblems of notable individuals.

This is much more detailed and text oriented than I thought it would be. From the description, I was expecting more of a coffee table book composed of mostly pictures, with a focus on the different elements of heraldry. There is some of that, but most of the book is text - descriptions of the various rulers of the countries and how they added and adapted their shields over time.

[Andrej · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family trees of European dynasties starting with William the Conqueror. Beautifully illustrated coats of arms.

[Louann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting to thumb thru. I attempted to read it cover to cover, but it is more of a research ref than a reading book. The research that went into this is AMAZING! It has a lot of anecdotes and side stories that keep it from being dry.

[Sara W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows the family lines of all the royal houses of Europe. It's a good supplemental book when reading other books about European royalty.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good quick reference

[Michael Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book for armchair browsing and background reading. Unexceptional information in the charts, but they are accompanied by full-color blazons.