No comments about A History of the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds, 1182-1256: Samson of Tottington to Edmund of Walpole (Studies in the History of Medieval Religion).

1 comments about The Malbons: Eight Hundred Years of Family History.

1. I am a Malbon descendant, along with the author ( we are 6th cousins I believe)sharing a interesting and not altogether perfect ancestor. So, I have a somewhat vested interest, and I imagine that would be true of most people who bought this book.
   However, whether a Malbon descendant or not, this is a truly fascinating read, ranging over hundreds of years and many many fortunes. Well and often amusingly written, it enable you to immerse yourself in the best form of family history.
   Barbara Hoyland

No comments about Canterbury Cathedral In Old Photographs.

No comments about Names in the Irish Land Grants: An Historical & Genealogical Account of the Plantation in Ulster.

No comments about Francis Frith's Leicestershire (Photographic Memories).

2 comments about Debrett's Guide to Heraldry and Regalia.

1. An absolute must for any historical or historical romance writer or anyone wanting to know about the origins and development of heraldic rules and regalia of various different nations.

   Simply loaded with photos, drawing and artwork through the ages and for a wide variety of nations, this work covers the origins of heraldry, the development of the College of Arms. It devotes a large section to Scottish Heraldry and the Lyon Court finally ending up with its modern day relevance and usage. They cover the English Coronation Ceremony. Has a superb glossy of terms. The pictures are simply amazing of the Scottish and England's sovereigns' crowns and septers, moving onto to world wide, such as the royalty of Hawaii.

   I simply cannot stress how necessary this is to writers, but is wonderful for anyone wanting to know about this topic.




2. "Debrett's Guide To Heraldry and Regalia" is a two part text divided into a section describing "Heraldry" and another describing "Regalia." At 160 pages it is packed with illustrations and color plates instructing the reader on the history of heraldry and English regalia, modern heraldic usage, English, Scottish, and European heraldry, an explanation of the College of Arms, the Court of Chivalry, the coronation ceremony, civic regalia, a catalog of existing royal regalia, a glossary of heraldic terms, the chronological list of coronations and a chapter on the regalia on public display.
   
   An excerpt from the dust jacket describes the contents best:
   
   "From the late twelfth century kings and noblemen began to devise emblems to display on their shields and later on the surcoats they wore over their armour--hence 'coat of arms-- in order to recognise each other and their followers. The complex system of rules that has evolved around the use of heraldric charges is explained in fascinating detail with illustrations showing how the designs have developed. English, Scottish and European heraldry is covered and there is a chapter devoted to the central role played by the College of Arms and its heralds and the Court of Chivalry."
   
   I have found this volume to be far more complete than others in its class and of great personal value in understanding the nature and history of U.K. and European heraldry and regalia. I would recommend it as one or even "the" springboard into heraldic studies. Very informative and understandable.
   
   Well done. Five stars out of five.
   
   
   JP

No comments about The Fall of Irish Chiefs & Clans: The Conquest of Ireland.

No comments about The Peerage of England: Containing a Genealogical and Historical Account of All the Peers of that Kingdom. Volume 5.

No comments about Cheltenham Volume II (Images of England).

No comments about The Summer Walkers: Travelling People and Pearl-Fishers in the Highlands of Scotland.