The Bottom Line
Pros
- Authoritative
- Substantive and comprehensive
- Nicely Illustrated
Cons
- Published two decades ago
Description
- Thorough and comprehensive coverage of Heraldry's origins and history
- Clear explanations of the elements of Heraldic designs like tinctures, charges, partitions, etc.
- Descriptions of the various uses of Heraldic devices and the current status of modern Heraldry
- Numerous full-color photos depict actual heraldic rolls that display heraldic devices
- Includes a substantive bibliography, illustrated glossary and lists on Kings of Arms
- Published by Oxford University Press
- Paperback; 233 pages including index; 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
- ISBN 0192802267
Guide Review - The Oxford Guide to Heraldry by Thomas Woodcock and John Martin Robinson
The art and discipline of Heraldry remains one of our strongest ties to the Middle Ages, and there are numerous books available for anyone interested in this fascinating tradition. However, most are founded on 19th- and early 20th-century works. The Oxford Guide to Heraldry takes a fresh look at the misty origins of Heraldry as well as offering a substantive overview of the rules and uses of Heraldic designs.Woodcock and Robinson know their stuff and do an excellent job of conveying the current scholarly views on Heraldry's possible origins. Although the work was originally published in 1988, little scholarship has been conducted to counter their conclusions. The authors also tell the story of Heraldry's history and explain heraldic rules in a clear and enjoyable fashion. The Oxford Guide to Heraldry stands as an authoritative resource for student and history buff alike.
As one might expect from an Oxford publication, numerous images enhance the work, among them photos of actual Heraldic rolls depicting the designs of medieval nobility. Many of them are simply splendid, and all of them are enlightening. In addition, an illustrated glossary and bibliography are provided.
Be warned: this is not really an introductory work, but then, it doesn't claim to be so. Some familiarity with the subject is assumed. But if you do already know a little bit about the subject of Heraldry, you'll find The Oxford Guide to Heraldry will easily help you learn much more.
