Heraldry has been called, "the shorthand of history" and "the noble science". It originated on the battlefield of Medieval times and has prevailed in one form or another until the present day. It is best defined as an hereditary system of colors and symbols carried on the medieval war shield for identification purposes. 

THE ORIGINS OF HERALDRY

THE LANGUAGE OF HERALDRY

THE COMPOSITION OF THE ARMS

THE SYMBOLISM OF HERALDRY

THE DEVELOPMENT OF HERALDRY

EARLY HERALDIC LITERATURE