The Manual of Heraldry; Fifth Edition Being a Concise Description of the Several Terms Used, and Containing a Dictionary of Every Designation in the Science

"The Manual of Heraldry; Fifth Edition" by Anonymous is a deep exploration into the world of heraldry, acting as both an explanation of its language and a catalog of designs used in coats of arms. The book examines the history of heraldry, its key ideas, and the details of armorial symbols. Beginning with an introduction to heraldry as a science for describing symbols, the manual tracks the history of these symbols back to the Middle Ages, especially to the Crusades, where nations needed symbols for their leaders. The manual explains the different kinds of arms, like those of dominion, family, and alliance, and explains the rules for using them, setting the stage for a detailed study of the topic.