The Book of Public Arms

The Book of Public Arms, published in 1915, serves as a comprehensive reference guide to heraldic arms used by public institutions, cities, and organizations throughout the British Empire. Fox-Davies compiled this extensive catalog through years of research and correspondence with authorities across multiple countries and territories. The work contains detailed blazons (technical heraldic descriptions) and illustrations of arms belonging to counties, towns, universities, episcopal sees, and colonial territories. The author provides historical context and documentation for each entry, including dates of grants and alterations, while also noting cases of unauthorized or questionable armorial bearings. Fox-Davies maintains a systematic approach to organizing the entries alphabetically, making the volume practical for reference purposes. His commentary addresses issues of proper heraldic authority and legitimacy, particularly regarding arms assumed without official grants. The book reflects broader themes of imperial organization and bureaucratic standardization during the early 20th century, while highlighting tensions between traditional heraldic authority and evolving civic identity. Its thorough documentation provides insights into how public institutions sought to establish and legitimize their status through heraldic symbols.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Arthur Charles Fox-Davies's overall work: Readers consistently highlight Fox-Davies's clear explanations of complex heraldic concepts and thorough documentation of historical examples in "The Complete Guide to Heraldry." What readers liked: - Precise technical descriptions - Extensive illustrations and plates - Systematic organization of heraldic rules - Comprehensive reference sections - Historical context for heraldic traditions What readers disliked: - Dense, formal writing style - Dated Victorian language - Limited coverage of non-British heraldry - Some find his strict interpretations too rigid - Small text and cramped formatting in newer editions Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) Archive.org: 4.5/5 (42 ratings) One reader notes: "Fox-Davies writes with authority but can be overly pedantic." Another comments: "The illustrations alone make this work invaluable." While modern readers sometimes struggle with the formal tone, they consistently praise the book's thoroughness as a reference work.

A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies This comprehensive volume contains detailed illustrations and explanations of heraldic symbols, rules, and historical usage in British armorial bearings.

Heraldry: Sources, Symbols and Meaning by Ottfried Neubecker This reference work presents heraldic traditions from multiple European countries with systematic categorization of symbols and their meanings.

The Oxford Guide to Heraldry by Thomas Woodcock, John Martin Robinson This guide provides documentation of English heraldic practices from medieval times through modern usage with focus on institutional and civic arms.

The Art of Heraldry by Carl-Alexander von Volborth The volume combines historical analysis with practical instruction on heraldic design principles and implementation across European traditions.

Dictionary of British Arms: Medieval Ordinary by The Society of Antiquaries of London This reference collection catalogs medieval coats of arms from British sources with detailed blazons and historical attributions.

🔹 The Book of Public Arms, published in 1915, contains nearly 1,500 illustrations of civic heraldry from across the British Empire, making it one of the most comprehensive reference works of its time. 🔹 Author Arthur Charles Fox-Davies was a controversial figure in heraldic circles, known for challenging what he considered "bogus arms" and advocating for stricter adherence to heraldic law. 🔹 The book remains a valuable resource for historians because it captures many municipal coats of arms that were later changed or discontinued after various government reorganizations. 🔹 Fox-Davies worked as a barrister specializing in genealogical cases, which gave him unique access to historical records and documents that helped inform his heraldic research. 🔹 The publication includes detailed notes on the legal status of various arms, making it not just a pictorial reference but also a key text for understanding the legal aspects of heraldry in the early 20th century.