Canada: Symbols of Sovereignty

by Conrad Swan

Book Overview

Now for the first time the record of that past has been captured in the words of images of heraldry. This is a pioneer study, the only complete account of the evolution of the arms, seals, and the official flags of canada from the time of discovery to the present.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1487573634
• ISBN13: 9781487573638
• Release Date: December 1977
• Publisher: University of Toronto Press
• Length: 318 Pages
• Weight: 1.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.7" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

A must for Canadian Heraldists

This book is an excellent summation of the arms used by Canada and her provinces from the foundation of Quebec until the present day (or, at least, until 1977). Many great seals are shown, and the armourial bearings completely discussed.The author of this book, Sir Conrad Swan, was Garter King of Arms for many years, and is possibly the foremost expert in Heraldry that Canada has ever produced.The only flaw in this book is its age- it was written more than 25 years ago, well before the founding of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. This makes many of the arms out-of-date; the national arms and many of the provincial arms have long since been augmented (such as by the addition of supporters). It would be nice if a new edition could be published.

Great Source for Heraldry in Canada

This very academic book covers the use of heraldry by the government in Canada from the earliest days (when it was still New France) until the date of publication. It covers the histories of the arms of the colonies, the Dominion, and the provinces, as well as the arms fo the governors and governors general. The information is a bit dated, as there have been significant changes to the arms of the provinces and the national arms since publication (mostly due to the efforts of the Canadian Heraldry Authority), but until a new edition is released, this is a required reference for any student of eraldry on this continent.