Fictitious & Symbolic Creatures in Art With Special Reference to Their Use in British Heraldry

"Fictitious & Symbolic Creatures in Art" by John Vinycomb is a study that explores the world of make-believe creatures and their symbolic roles in British heraldry during the start of the 1900's. The book looks at beings like dragons and other mythical combinations showcasing how these figures find life in heraldic symbols. Vinycomb aims to shed light on how these imaginative creatures are used in heraldic art, inspecting their forms and the meanings they carry from ancient stories and myths. The narrative kicks off by confirming Vinycomb's plan to dig into the impact of symbolic creatures in art and heraldry, understanding how these beings have influenced human imagination and historical storytelling. He talks about how old stories and myths have shaped what we thought about these creatures, making it hard for today's artists to draw them correctly by evaluating these symbols' history. Thus, he recognizes the crucial part these beings play not just in heraldry, but also in how fears, values, and cultural stories have shaped the collective mind over time.