A general introduction to medieval heraldry, focusing on the use of animals. Includes sections on human monsters, lions and kindred creatures, fabulous beasts, eagles and fabulous birds, dragons and fabulous reptiles. The main sections are: Heralds and Armory (an introduction to the topic); The Literature of Heraldry (medieval texts dealing with heraldry); The Heraldic Imagination in Action (the animals used in heraldry and their symbolic meaning). There are many bestiary references, and a large number of good illustrations. There is also a glossary of heraldic terms and a list of primary medieval heraldic treatises.

224 p., color and black & white illustrations, bibliography.

Language: English

ISBN: 0-214-65386-2; LC: CR1612D45