An international history of heraldry and its contemporary uses together with the definitive guide to national flags, banners, standards and ensigns. Lavishly illustrated throughout, including over 2000 commissioned artworks of arms, shields, civic and national flags, military signs and royal standards. From ancient standards and ancestral shields to modern coats of arms and the flags of emerging nations - learn the fascinating language and visual vocabulary of arms, banners and ensigns that weaves together our rich cultural history and brings it alive today.