G. E. Cokayne et al.

George Edward Cokayne (1825-1911) was an English genealogist and long-serving herald at the College of Arms in London, where he held the office of Clarenceux King of Arms. He is best known as the original compiler of The Complete Peerage, a comprehensive historical record of the British peerage system first published between 1887 and 1898. The Complete Peerage, often referred to by scholars as "Cokayne," was later expanded and revised by a team of editors including Vicary Gibbs, H.A. Doubleday, and others, leading to the commonly used citation "Cokayne et al." The revised edition, published between 1910 and 1959, became the definitive reference work on the subject, comprising fourteen volumes of detailed genealogical and biographical information about British noble families. During his career at the College of Arms, Cokayne also produced other significant genealogical works, including editions of The Complete Baronetage. His meticulous research methods and attention to documentary evidence established new standards for genealogical scholarship, influencing subsequent generations of researchers in the field. The collaborative nature of the revised Complete Peerage reflects in the "et al." designation, acknowledging the contributions of multiple scholars who expanded upon Cokayne's original work. This expanded version remains the authoritative source for information on British peerage and is extensively cited in academic works on British history and genealogy.

Genealogists and historians reference The Complete Peerage as a foundational research source for British noble families. Academic reviewers consistently note the exhaustive level of detail and extensive primary source citations. Readers appreciate: - Comprehensive documentation and cross-references - Inclusion of both major and minor noble families - Clear explanations of succession and inheritance - Detailed footnotes with source materials Common criticisms: - Dense, technical writing style makes casual reading difficult - Cost and limited availability of complete set - Some outdated social attitudes in early volumes - Lack of family trees or visual genealogical charts The Complete Peerage does not have consumer ratings on mainstream review sites due to its specialized academic nature. Academic library reviews and citations in scholarly works affirm its position as the primary reference for British peerage research. The Institute of Historical Research notes its status as "the standard reference work on the subject" while acknowledging its intimidating level of detail for non-specialists.

The Complete Peerage (1887-1898, revised 1910-1959) A comprehensive 14-volume reference work documenting the entire British peerage system with detailed genealogical and biographical information of noble families from medieval times to the 20th century.

The Complete Baronetage (1900-1909) A detailed six-volume genealogical reference series covering all baronetcies created in England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom from 1611 to 1800.

Some Account of the Lord Mayors and Sheriffs of the City of London (1897) A historical compilation providing biographical information about Lord Mayors and Sheriffs who served in the City of London from 1601 to 1625.

Adams' Banbury Families (1895) A genealogical study focusing on prominent families from the Banbury region of Oxfordshire during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Sir William Dugdale Created the Baronage of England and served as Garter King of Arms at the College of Arms. His systematic approach to genealogical research and documentation of aristocratic lineages established foundations that Cokayne later built upon.

John Burke Produced Burke's Peerage and other comprehensive works on British aristocracy and heraldry. His publications served as important predecessors to Cokayne's work and established similar methodologies for documenting noble lineages.

Arthur Collins Published The Peerage of England and established early standards for peerage documentation. His work in the 18th century laid groundwork for later genealogists and served as a key source for Cokayne's research.

Sir Anthony Wagner Served as Garter King of Arms and produced authoritative works on heraldry and genealogy. His research methods and standards parallel Cokayne's approach to documentary evidence and scholarly rigor.

Sir Bernard Burke Continued and expanded his father John Burke's work as Ulster King of Arms, producing detailed genealogical references. His contemporaneous work with Cokayne represented similar approaches to documenting British nobility and peerage systems.