This volume is an illustrated history of the system, the art and the craft of heraldry. Each of the book's chapters focuses on one specific element of heraldry, seeking to bring an order and clarity to the ancient and intricate system of identification. Topics include: the rise and decline of jousting tournaments; the chivalric code; symbols of battles won passed from father to son and, eventually, to the seals of great nations; the origin of the bar sinister; and emblems brought back by the Crusaders from the Middle East and still used today to represent various countries. The book contains a display of heraldic devices and historical illustrations, maps, charts and diagrams.