Simple heraldry

by Iain Moncreiffe

Simple Heraldry

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval

63 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

Sir Rupert Iain Kay Moncreiffe of that Ilk, 11th Baronet, CVO, QC, Ph.D. was a Scottish officer in the British Army and a genealogist.

Educated at Stowe School, Heidelberg, and Christ Church, Oxford, he served in World War II in the Scots Guards, served as attaché at the British embassy in Moscow, and then studied Scots Law at the University of Edinburgh, where he took a Ph.D. with a thesis on the Scots law of succession to peerages.

Reviews

[The Artificer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently checked out the 1955 version from my local library and was very pleasantly surprised. This book is brilliantly succinct and well laid out.

A master work of simplicity and informativeness, it is helpfully and humourously illustrated.

While by no means a comprehensive look at UK based heraldry it is an excellent starting point for those interested in the topic.

[Марина Козарева · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Simple Heraldry, Cheerfully Illustrated is a really enjoyable and informative book that offers a great introduction to heraldry. While it doesn’t aim to cover everything in depth, it gives you a solid foundation and helps you understand the basics in a clear way.

What makes it stand out is the engaging and cheerful language, which makes the subject feel accessible and even fun. It’s a perfect starting point for anyone curious about heraldry and looking for an easy and pleasant read.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic and very cheerful introduction to the art and science of heraldry. You won't be an expert in heraldry by the end of the book, but you will know more than you did, and you will have been entertained. The illustrations are indeed very cheerful.

[Katie Poole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is almost a picture book, but it's fun, informative, and simple. Does what it says on the tin, with style.

[Robin Cunninghame Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to heraldry for the novice.

[Jess Dollar]

What a fun little book. The illustrations are amazing.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful way to learn about the basics of heraldry! It's basic enough to not be overwhelming, but detailed enough to understand all the rules and history behind this practice.

[Tiago André · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected both a more specific and a broader look into heraldry, though I can't complain much about the art. It was quite adorable, illustrated, and colourful. I just wish it had gone beyond English and Scottish heraldry, and had gone more into detail about heraldry in general. Still, a nice enough introduction.

[^ · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent (and essential) starting point to a subject (heraldry) which can too easily descend into seemingly tortuous complexity. Love the illustrations. Just the right degree of gentle humour is expressed; which assists the memory.