Great Book, 29 Jan 2008
This is a book of Christian symbols. A lot have to do with saints, some have to do with Christ, others with God (the Father), some with the Church in general. Where appropriate the author offers a brief explanation of the symbol involved, though often he just shows variations of a particular form. For example one page of illustrations is entitled 'Forms of the Nimbus' and it depicts the different halo shapes to be found in paintings of divine figures. Elsewhere in a section entitled 'Flowers, Fruits, and Trees' the author devotes a couple of pages to pictures of various plants etc. associated with the Christian tradition, giving a brief explanation as to why they are relevant. The book is short (and cheap)and is simply very interesting and very enjoyable to read.

Exactly what I was after, 22 Dec 2001
This wonderful little book contains careful, neat illustrations, in black and white but with good descriptions that tell you the colors. It collects in one place bits of information I have been hunting through more than a dozen other reference books. It also helped me confirm a reference I've been chasing for more than a year. Wonderful book! Plus, good for coloring in :-) Exactly what I was looking for.

Great Book, 29 Jan 2008
This is a book of Christian symbols. A lot have to do with saints, some have to do with Christ, others with God (the Father), some with the Church in general. Where appropriate the author offers a brief explanation of the symbol involved, though often he just shows variations of a particular form. For example one page of illustrations is entitled 'Forms of the Nimbus' and it depicts the different halo shapes to be found in paintings of divine figures. Elsewhere in a section entitled 'Flowers, Fruits, and Trees' the author devotes a couple of pages to pictures of various plants etc. associated with the Christian tradition, giving a brief explanation as to why they are relevant. The book is short (and cheap)and is simply very interesting and very enjoyable to read.

Exactly what I was after, 22 Dec 2001
This wonderful little book contains careful, neat illustrations, in black and white but with good descriptions that tell you the colors. It collects in one place bits of information I have been hunting through more than a dozen other reference books. It also helped me confirm a reference I've been chasing for more than a year. Wonderful book! Plus, good for coloring in :-) Exactly what I was looking for.

Great author but confusing number of titles, 14 Sep 2008
Mr Slater's books on Heraldry are richly illustrated in colour (befitting the subject) and are very readable and descriptive. They really bring the subject to life.
One issue I have however is that he has published a number of books on the same subject and it is very difficult to identify which one to purchase (hence the four star rating). I have seen at least four different but similar titles (my comments above are based on the first listed): `The Illustrated Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses', `Heraldry Today: The Ancient Art and its Modern Applications' (also known by the title `Living Heraldry'), `The Complete Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses' and `The World Encyclopedia of Flags and Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and Its Contemporary Uses'. All are published in the last few years and there may be others - things are further complicated by the fact that the same book can have different ISBNs (that's the case with mine anyway).

Great Book, 29 Jan 2008
This is a book of Christian symbols. A lot have to do with saints, some have to do with Christ, others with God (the Father), some with the Church in general. Where appropriate the author offers a brief explanation of the symbol involved, though often he just shows variations of a particular form. For example one page of illustrations is entitled 'Forms of the Nimbus' and it depicts the different halo shapes to be found in paintings of divine figures. Elsewhere in a section entitled 'Flowers, Fruits, and Trees' the author devotes a couple of pages to pictures of various plants etc. associated with the Christian tradition, giving a brief explanation as to why they are relevant. The book is short (and cheap)and is simply very interesting and very enjoyable to read.

Exactly what I was after, 22 Dec 2001
This wonderful little book contains careful, neat illustrations, in black and white but with good descriptions that tell you the colors. It collects in one place bits of information I have been hunting through more than a dozen other reference books. It also helped me confirm a reference I've been chasing for more than a year. Wonderful book! Plus, good for coloring in :-) Exactly what I was looking for.

Great author but confusing number of titles, 14 Sep 2008
Mr Slater's books on Heraldry are richly illustrated in colour (befitting the subject) and are very readable and descriptive. They really bring the subject to life.
One issue I have however is that he has published a number of books on the same subject and it is very difficult to identify which one to purchase (hence the four star rating). I have seen at least four different but similar titles (my comments above are based on the first listed): `The Illustrated Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses', `Heraldry Today: The Ancient Art and its Modern Applications' (also known by the title `Living Heraldry'), `The Complete Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses' and `The World Encyclopedia of Flags and Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and Its Contemporary Uses'. All are published in the last few years and there may be others - things are further complicated by the fact that the same book can have different ISBNs (that's the case with mine anyway).



An essential book for all Heraldic enthusiasts, 25 Jun 2003
No heraldic library is complete without this addition.

This book simplifies the "science" of heraldry and is ideal for the novice and experienced armourist... it revitalises your understanding of the Basics....

This invaluable book has provided me with hours of great reading and has expanded the understanding and deepened my desire to know everything I can about heraldry. It is not only an informative source of reference; it's a feast for the eye of any heraldic artist.

For the casual reader, it is authoritatively written with lots of cleverly rendered images that visually explain the principles and rules of heraldry and it's associated design. What's more, these images are the efforts of possibly the world's most respected heraldic artist.

This is not "Burke's General Armory" with pages and pages of blazon... this is great bedtime reading and research all mixed into one great book. Now who can say that about any typical book on this subject?

Well .... Stop reading my comments... I assure you, you will not be disappointed with this choice...

An essential book for all Heraldic enthusiasts, 25 Jun 2003
No heraldic library is complete without this addition.

This book simplifies the "science" of heraldry and is ideal for the novice and experienced armourist. Your basic understanding of heraldry will be revitalised.

This invaluable book has provided me with hours of great reading and has expanded the understanding and deepened my desire to know everything I can about heraldry. It is not only an informative source of reference; it’s a feast for the eye of any heraldic artist.

For the casual reader, it is authoritatively written with lots of cleverly rendered images that visually explain the principles and rules of heraldry and it’s associated design. What’s more, these images are the efforts of possibly the world’s most respected heraldic artist.

This is not "Burke's General Armory" with pages and pages of blazon... this is great bedtime reading and research all mixed into one great book. Now who can say that about any typical book on this subject?

Well .... Stop reading my comments... I assure you, you will not be disappointed with this choice...

Great Book, 29 Jan 2008
This is a book of Christian symbols. A lot have to do with saints, some have to do with Christ, others with God (the Father), some with the Church in general. Where appropriate the author offers a brief explanation of the symbol involved, though often he just shows variations of a particular form. For example one page of illustrations is entitled 'Forms of the Nimbus' and it depicts the different halo shapes to be found in paintings of divine figures. Elsewhere in a section entitled 'Flowers, Fruits, and Trees' the author devotes a couple of pages to pictures of various plants etc. associated with the Christian tradition, giving a brief explanation as to why they are relevant. The book is short (and cheap)and is simply very interesting and very enjoyable to read.

Exactly what I was after, 22 Dec 2001
This wonderful little book contains careful, neat illustrations, in black and white but with good descriptions that tell you the colors. It collects in one place bits of information I have been hunting through more than a dozen other reference books. It also helped me confirm a reference I've been chasing for more than a year. Wonderful book! Plus, good for coloring in :-) Exactly what I was looking for.

Great author but confusing number of titles, 14 Sep 2008
Mr Slater's books on Heraldry are richly illustrated in colour (befitting the subject) and are very readable and descriptive. They really bring the subject to life.
One issue I have however is that he has published a number of books on the same subject and it is very difficult to identify which one to purchase (hence the four star rating). I have seen at least four different but similar titles (my comments above are based on the first listed): `The Illustrated Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses', `Heraldry Today: The Ancient Art and its Modern Applications' (also known by the title `Living Heraldry'), `The Complete Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses' and `The World Encyclopedia of Flags and Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and Its Contemporary Uses'. All are published in the last few years and there may be others - things are further complicated by the fact that the same book can have different ISBNs (that's the case with mine anyway).



An essential book for all Heraldic enthusiasts, 25 Jun 2003
No heraldic library is complete without this addition.

This book simplifies the "science" of heraldry and is ideal for the novice and experienced armourist... it revitalises your understanding of the Basics....

This invaluable book has provided me with hours of great reading and has expanded the understanding and deepened my desire to know everything I can about heraldry. It is not only an informative source of reference; it's a feast for the eye of any heraldic artist.

For the casual reader, it is authoritatively written with lots of cleverly rendered images that visually explain the principles and rules of heraldry and it's associated design. What's more, these images are the efforts of possibly the world's most respected heraldic artist.

This is not "Burke's General Armory" with pages and pages of blazon... this is great bedtime reading and research all mixed into one great book. Now who can say that about any typical book on this subject?

Well .... Stop reading my comments... I assure you, you will not be disappointed with this choice...

An essential book for all Heraldic enthusiasts, 25 Jun 2003
No heraldic library is complete without this addition.

This book simplifies the "science" of heraldry and is ideal for the novice and experienced armourist. Your basic understanding of heraldry will be revitalised.

This invaluable book has provided me with hours of great reading and has expanded the understanding and deepened my desire to know everything I can about heraldry. It is not only an informative source of reference; it’s a feast for the eye of any heraldic artist.

For the casual reader, it is authoritatively written with lots of cleverly rendered images that visually explain the principles and rules of heraldry and it’s associated design. What’s more, these images are the efforts of possibly the world’s most respected heraldic artist.

This is not "Burke's General Armory" with pages and pages of blazon... this is great bedtime reading and research all mixed into one great book. Now who can say that about any typical book on this subject?

Well .... Stop reading my comments... I assure you, you will not be disappointed with this choice...

Good collection of high resolution, black-and-white images., 20 Mar 1999
Enlarged versions of the black-and-white heraldic designs common to most coats of arms and crests. Perfect for scanning and easily adaptable by experienced graphic designers. Originally published in smaller versions in Fairbairn's Book of Crests.

Great Book, 29 Jan 2008
This is a book of Christian symbols. A lot have to do with saints, some have to do with Christ, others with God (the Father), some with the Church in general. Where appropriate the author offers a brief explanation of the symbol involved, though often he just shows variations of a particular form. For example one page of illustrations is entitled 'Forms of the Nimbus' and it depicts the different halo shapes to be found in paintings of divine figures. Elsewhere in a section entitled 'Flowers, Fruits, and Trees' the author devotes a couple of pages to pictures of various plants etc. associated with the Christian tradition, giving a brief explanation as to why they are relevant. The book is short (and cheap)and is simply very interesting and very enjoyable to read.

Exactly what I was after, 22 Dec 2001
This wonderful little book contains careful, neat illustrations, in black and white but with good descriptions that tell you the colors. It collects in one place bits of information I have been hunting through more than a dozen other reference books. It also helped me confirm a reference I've been chasing for more than a year. Wonderful book! Plus, good for coloring in :-) Exactly what I was looking for.

Great author but confusing number of titles, 14 Sep 2008
Mr Slater's books on Heraldry are richly illustrated in colour (befitting the subject) and are very readable and descriptive. They really bring the subject to life.
One issue I have however is that he has published a number of books on the same subject and it is very difficult to identify which one to purchase (hence the four star rating). I have seen at least four different but similar titles (my comments above are based on the first listed): `The Illustrated Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses', `Heraldry Today: The Ancient Art and its Modern Applications' (also known by the title `Living Heraldry'), `The Complete Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses' and `The World Encyclopedia of Flags and Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and Its Contemporary Uses'. All are published in the last few years and there may be others - things are further complicated by the fact that the same book can have different ISBNs (that's the case with mine anyway).



An essential book for all Heraldic enthusiasts, 25 Jun 2003
No heraldic library is complete without this addition.

This book simplifies the "science" of heraldry and is ideal for the novice and experienced armourist... it revitalises your understanding of the Basics....

This invaluable book has provided me with hours of great reading and has expanded the understanding and deepened my desire to know everything I can about heraldry. It is not only an informative source of reference; it's a feast for the eye of any heraldic artist.

For the casual reader, it is authoritatively written with lots of cleverly rendered images that visually explain the principles and rules of heraldry and it's associated design. What's more, these images are the efforts of possibly the world's most respected heraldic artist.

This is not "Burke's General Armory" with pages and pages of blazon... this is great bedtime reading and research all mixed into one great book. Now who can say that about any typical book on this subject?

Well .... Stop reading my comments... I assure you, you will not be disappointed with this choice...

An essential book for all Heraldic enthusiasts, 25 Jun 2003
No heraldic library is complete without this addition.

This book simplifies the "science" of heraldry and is ideal for the novice and experienced armourist. Your basic understanding of heraldry will be revitalised.

This invaluable book has provided me with hours of great reading and has expanded the understanding and deepened my desire to know everything I can about heraldry. It is not only an informative source of reference; it’s a feast for the eye of any heraldic artist.

For the casual reader, it is authoritatively written with lots of cleverly rendered images that visually explain the principles and rules of heraldry and it’s associated design. What’s more, these images are the efforts of possibly the world’s most respected heraldic artist.

This is not "Burke's General Armory" with pages and pages of blazon... this is great bedtime reading and research all mixed into one great book. Now who can say that about any typical book on this subject?

Well .... Stop reading my comments... I assure you, you will not be disappointed with this choice...

Good collection of high resolution, black-and-white images., 20 Mar 1999
Enlarged versions of the black-and-white heraldic designs common to most coats of arms and crests. Perfect for scanning and easily adaptable by experienced graphic designers. Originally published in smaller versions in Fairbairn's Book of Crests.

Great author but confusing number of books, 14 Sep 2008
Mr Slater's books on Heraldry are richly illustrated in colour (befitting the subject) and are very readable and descriptive. They really bring the subject to life.
One issue I have however is that he has published a number of books on the same subject and it is very difficult to identify which one to purchase (hence the four star rating). I have seen at least four different but similar titles (my comments above are based on the first listed): `The Illustrated Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses', `Heraldry Today: The Ancient Art and its Modern Applications' (also known by the title `Living Heraldry'), `The Complete Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses' and `The World Encyclopedia of Flags and Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and Its Contemporary Uses'. All are published in the last few years and there may be others - things are further complicated by the fact that the same book can have different ISBNs (that's the case with mine anyway).

An interesting review., 20 Feb 2006
This book seems to be a summarized review of another book from the same writer.I would recommended it due to its great writing and awesome pictures & drawings.

Great Book, 29 Jan 2008
This is a book of Christian symbols. A lot have to do with saints, some have to do with Christ, others with God (the Father), some with the Church in general. Where appropriate the author offers a brief explanation of the symbol involved, though often he just shows variations of a particular form. For example one page of illustrations is entitled 'Forms of the Nimbus' and it depicts the different halo shapes to be found in paintings of divine figures. Elsewhere in a section entitled 'Flowers, Fruits, and Trees' the author devotes a couple of pages to pictures of various plants etc. associated with the Christian tradition, giving a brief explanation as to why they are relevant. The book is short (and cheap)and is simply very interesting and very enjoyable to read.

Exactly what I was after, 22 Dec 2001
This wonderful little book contains careful, neat illustrations, in black and white but with good descriptions that tell you the colors. It collects in one place bits of information I have been hunting through more than a dozen other reference books. It also helped me confirm a reference I've been chasing for more than a year. Wonderful book! Plus, good for coloring in :-) Exactly what I was looking for.

Great author but confusing number of titles, 14 Sep 2008
Mr Slater's books on Heraldry are richly illustrated in colour (befitting the subject) and are very readable and descriptive. They really bring the subject to life.
One issue I have however is that he has published a number of books on the same subject and it is very difficult to identify which one to purchase (hence the four star rating). I have seen at least four different but similar titles (my comments above are based on the first listed): `The Illustrated Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses', `Heraldry Today: The Ancient Art and its Modern Applications' (also known by the title `Living Heraldry'), `The Complete Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses' and `The World Encyclopedia of Flags and Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and Its Contemporary Uses'. All are published in the last few years and there may be others - things are further complicated by the fact that the same book can have different ISBNs (that's the case with mine anyway).



An essential book for all Heraldic enthusiasts, 25 Jun 2003
No heraldic library is complete without this addition.

This book simplifies the "science" of heraldry and is ideal for the novice and experienced armourist... it revitalises your understanding of the Basics....

This invaluable book has provided me with hours of great reading and has expanded the understanding and deepened my desire to know everything I can about heraldry. It is not only an informative source of reference; it's a feast for the eye of any heraldic artist.

For the casual reader, it is authoritatively written with lots of cleverly rendered images that visually explain the principles and rules of heraldry and it's associated design. What's more, these images are the efforts of possibly the world's most respected heraldic artist.

This is not "Burke's General Armory" with pages and pages of blazon... this is great bedtime reading and research all mixed into one great book. Now who can say that about any typical book on this subject?

Well .... Stop reading my comments... I assure you, you will not be disappointed with this choice...

An essential book for all Heraldic enthusiasts, 25 Jun 2003
No heraldic library is complete without this addition.

This book simplifies the "science" of heraldry and is ideal for the novice and experienced armourist. Your basic understanding of heraldry will be revitalised.

This invaluable book has provided me with hours of great reading and has expanded the understanding and deepened my desire to know everything I can about heraldry. It is not only an informative source of reference; it’s a feast for the eye of any heraldic artist.

For the casual reader, it is authoritatively written with lots of cleverly rendered images that visually explain the principles and rules of heraldry and it’s associated design. What’s more, these images are the efforts of possibly the world’s most respected heraldic artist.

This is not "Burke's General Armory" with pages and pages of blazon... this is great bedtime reading and research all mixed into one great book. Now who can say that about any typical book on this subject?

Well .... Stop reading my comments... I assure you, you will not be disappointed with this choice...

Good collection of high resolution, black-and-white images., 20 Mar 1999
Enlarged versions of the black-and-white heraldic designs common to most coats of arms and crests. Perfect for scanning and easily adaptable by experienced graphic designers. Originally published in smaller versions in Fairbairn's Book of Crests.

Great author but confusing number of books, 14 Sep 2008
Mr Slater's books on Heraldry are richly illustrated in colour (befitting the subject) and are very readable and descriptive. They really bring the subject to life.
One issue I have however is that he has published a number of books on the same subject and it is very difficult to identify which one to purchase (hence the four star rating). I have seen at least four different but similar titles (my comments above are based on the first listed): `The Illustrated Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses', `Heraldry Today: The Ancient Art and its Modern Applications' (also known by the title `Living Heraldry'), `The Complete Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses' and `The World Encyclopedia of Flags and Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and Its Contemporary Uses'. All are published in the last few years and there may be others - things are further complicated by the fact that the same book can have different ISBNs (that's the case with mine anyway).

An interesting review., 20 Feb 2006
This book seems to be a summarized review of another book from the same writer.I would recommended it due to its great writing and awesome pictures & drawings.

Justification of plagiarism, 04 May 2007
This is an excellent book on the subject but spoiled by the pathetic justification of plagiarism written by Childless, which has no bearing or relationship to the first class work it has marred. Buy it simply for the real authors Addisons work, it is worth it.

Good, but skip the intro, 27 Mar 2007
I don't know why this impressive nineteenth-century history of the Templars, which dismisses the mad theories about the Templars that abounded at the time, has been published with an illiterate introduction filled with new-age nonsense about the Order. The intro is completely unrelated to the rest of the book, which Childress gives no evidence that he even read! Addison would be most offended to have such an unworthy appendage attached to his scholarly work.

factually incorrect introduction, 02 Apr 2000
I was distinctly disappointed in the introduction ~ not only were there several errors in both grammar and syntax, but Hatcher Childress twice quotes the date of Bannockburn as 1324, when in fact it was 10 years ealrier in 1314! Also he states that the day was won by a body of Knights Templar making a final charge late in the day ~ yet the whole content of the rest of the book is all about the Templars being in the very forefront of the fighting. So, why did they wait all day before commiting to the Scots cause at Bannockburn? Otherwise, it is an essentially 'dry' history, with too many footnotes in Latin ~ why no interpration into English? All-in-all, not what I expected,: better volumes are available.

lloyd.carey@virgin.net

A "Beginners Guide to the Knights Templar"., 13 Mar 2000
This is an excellent easy to read and digest book giving a good overall view of the history of the Knights Templar. If you are looking for a beginners guide to the Templars then you can do no better than this book.

Quite simply once lifted it is a compelling story, difficult to leave down.

Anyone who is interested in the Templars should not be without a copy of this book!

Great Book, 29 Jan 2008
This is a book of Christian symbols. A lot have to do with saints, some have to do with Christ, others with God (the Father), some with the Church in general. Where appropriate the author offers a brief explanation of the symbol involved, though often he just shows variations of a particular form. For example one page of illustrations is entitled 'Forms of the Nimbus' and it depicts the different halo shapes to be found in paintings of divine figures. Elsewhere in a section entitled 'Flowers, Fruits, and Trees' the author devotes a couple of pages to pictures of various plants etc. associated with the Christian tradition, giving a brief explanation as to why they are relevant. The book is short (and cheap)and is simply very interesting and very enjoyable to read.

Exactly what I was after, 22 Dec 2001
This wonderful little book contains careful, neat illustrations, in black and white but with good descriptions that tell you the colors. It collects in one place bits of information I have been hunting through more than a dozen other reference books. It also helped me confirm a reference I've been chasing for more than a year. Wonderful book! Plus, good for coloring in :-) Exactly what I was looking for.

Great author but confusing number of titles, 14 Sep 2008
Mr Slater's books on Heraldry are richly illustrated in colour (befitting the subject) and are very readable and descriptive. They really bring the subject to life.
One issue I have however is that he has published a number of books on the same subject and it is very difficult to identify which one to purchase (hence the four star rating). I have seen at least four different but similar titles (my comments above are based on the first listed): `The Illustrated Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses', `Heraldry Today: The Ancient Art and its Modern Applications' (also known by the title `Living Heraldry'), `The Complete Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses' and `The World Encyclopedia of Flags and Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and Its Contemporary Uses'. All are published in the last few years and there may be others - things are further complicated by the fact that the same book can have different ISBNs (that's the case with mine anyway).



An essential book for all Heraldic enthusiasts, 25 Jun 2003
No heraldic library is complete without this addition.

This book simplifies the "science" of heraldry and is ideal for the novice and experienced armourist... it revitalises your understanding of the Basics....

This invaluable book has provided me with hours of great reading and has expanded the understanding and deepened my desire to know everything I can about heraldry. It is not only an informative source of reference; it's a feast for the eye of any heraldic artist.

For the casual reader, it is authoritatively written with lots of cleverly rendered images that visually explain the principles and rules of heraldry and it's associated design. What's more, these images are the efforts of possibly the world's most respected heraldic artist.

This is not "Burke's General Armory" with pages and pages of blazon... this is great bedtime reading and research all mixed into one great book. Now who can say that about any typical book on this subject?

Well .... Stop reading my comments... I assure you, you will not be disappointed with this choice...

An essential book for all Heraldic enthusiasts, 25 Jun 2003
No heraldic library is complete without this addition.

This book simplifies the "science" of heraldry and is ideal for the novice and experienced armourist. Your basic understanding of heraldry will be revitalised.

This invaluable book has provided me with hours of great reading and has expanded the understanding and deepened my desire to know everything I can about heraldry. It is not only an informative source of reference; it’s a feast for the eye of any heraldic artist.

For the casual reader, it is authoritatively written with lots of cleverly rendered images that visually explain the principles and rules of heraldry and it’s associated design. What’s more, these images are the efforts of possibly the world’s most respected heraldic artist.

This is not "Burke's General Armory" with pages and pages of blazon... this is great bedtime reading and research all mixed into one great book. Now who can say that about any typical book on this subject?

Well .... Stop reading my comments... I assure you, you will not be disappointed with this choice...

Good collection of high resolution, black-and-white images., 20 Mar 1999
Enlarged versions of the black-and-white heraldic designs common to most coats of arms and crests. Perfect for scanning and easily adaptable by experienced graphic designers. Originally published in smaller versions in Fairbairn's Book of Crests.

Great author but confusing number of books, 14 Sep 2008
Mr Slater's books on Heraldry are richly illustrated in colour (befitting the subject) and are very readable and descriptive. They really bring the subject to life.
One issue I have however is that he has published a number of books on the same subject and it is very difficult to identify which one to purchase (hence the four star rating). I have seen at least four different but similar titles (my comments above are based on the first listed): `The Illustrated Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses', `Heraldry Today: The Ancient Art and its Modern Applications' (also known by the title `Living Heraldry'), `The Complete Book of Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and its Contemporary Uses' and `The World Encyclopedia of Flags and Heraldry: An International History of Heraldry and Its Contemporary Uses'. All are published in the last few years and there may be others - things are further complicated by the fact that the same book can have different ISBNs (that's the case with mine anyway).

An interesting review., 20 Feb 2006
This book seems to be a summarized review of another book from the same writer.I would recommended it due to its great writing and awesome pictures & drawings.

Justification of plagiarism, 04 May 2007
This is an excellent book on the subject but spoiled by the pathetic justification of plagiarism written by Childless, which has no bearing or relationship to the first class work it has marred. Buy it simply for the real authors Addisons work, it is worth it.

Good, but skip the intro, 27 Mar 2007
I don't know why this impressive nineteenth-century history of the Templars, which dismisses the mad theories about the Templars that abounded at the time, has been published with an illiterate introduction filled with new-age nonsense about the Order. The intro is completely unrelated to the rest of the book, which Childress gives no evidence that he even read! Addison would be most offended to have such an unworthy appendage attached to his scholarly work.

factually incorrect introduction, 02 Apr 2000
I was distinctly disappointed in the introduction ~ not only were there several errors in both grammar and syntax, but Hatcher Childress twice quotes the date of Bannockburn as 1324, when in fact it was 10 years ealrier in 1314! Also he states that the day was won by a body of Knights Templar making a final charge late in the day ~ yet the whole content of the rest of the book is all about the Templars being in the very forefront of the fighting. So, why did they wait all day before commiting to the Scots cause at Bannockburn? Otherwise, it is an essentially 'dry' history, with too many footnotes in Latin ~ why no interpration into English? All-in-all, not what I expected,: better volumes are available.

lloyd.carey@virgin.net

A "Beginners Guide to the Knights Templar"., 13 Mar 2000
This is an excellent easy to read and digest book giving a good overall view of the history of the Knights Templar. If you are looking for a beginners guide to the Templars then you can do no better than this book.

Quite simply once lifted it is a compelling story, difficult to leave down.

Anyone who is interested in the Templars should not be without a copy of this book!

Despite the title this is not a handbook., 27 Dec 2001
Q A handbook serves for reference, but this book is rather unsystematic, it also lacks a real family register for heraldic purposes. On the other hand it is not a real art book either, lacking research in depth and conclusions. At the utmost, it is a nice try, or rather a beginning.

Elegant Japanese heraldic designs, 03 Sep 2001
I found this book absolutely fascinating. It explores the use of stylised designs as Japanese family crests, sometimes considered analogous to European heraldry. These designs, almost always circular, are called mons. In a series of introductory chapters, the author tells us about the origins of mons, their use throughout history and something of their meaning and the genesis of particular family crests. The bulk of the book is page after page of black and white representations of different mons. Many are based on particular plants and all those representing the same plant are grouped together. This gives us for example almost a page of chrysanthemum designs but rather fewer hemp designs. Other mons are based on animals and man made objects. Each group of mons has notes on its usage.