A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies is the classic and comprehensive reference on the art and science of heraldry. First published in 1909, it remains one of the most authoritative English-language treatments of coats of arms, their design, meaning, and regulation.
Fox-Davies, a barrister and leading authority on the subject, explains the principles of blazon, the elements of the shield, crests, supporters, mottoes, and the rules governing their use. Richly illustrated in its original form, the book covers the history of armory, the role of heralds, and the practice of granting and inheriting arms. Detailed yet accessible, it has long served as an indispensable handbook for students of heraldry, genealogists, and anyone seeking to understand the symbolic language of armorial bearings.