For the American reader, the study of heraldry, with its emblems and shields and such, may seem merely "curious." For the Victorian reader, however - and particularly the British Victorian reader - this was not merely a review of something quaint and historic. Heraldry still held a very important place in British life (and indeed still does today.) As the article on "Pedigrees" notes, "Perhaps one of th emost striking developments of modern democracy is the wide-spread ambition amongst ordinary folks to ascertain their pedigrees." The article goes on to describe the often highly imaginary family trees drawn up by pedigree hunters. Today, many families are still "armigerous" (bearing a coat of arms). For the modern pedigree-hunter, many shops still sell coats of arms with a little certificate indicating the association with the purchaser's surname.

What Is Heraldry? by William Partridge (Art Journal, 1853)

Subtitled "An Enquiry into the Origin and Nature of Armorial Ensigns, in Connection with History, Biography, Poetry and the Arts."

Irish Titles of Honor (Illustrated London Almanack, 1865)

Some of the titles of honour still remaining in Ireland.

The Romance of Heraldry (Leisure Hour, 1868)

About Heraldry, by Annie Moore (St. Nicholas, 1875)

The Tournament of the Middle Ages (Harper's Monthly, 1875B)

Heraldry as a Popular Study, by Eliza Clarke (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1881)

[Heraldry] The Science of Fools (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1885)

A short history of heraldry, "the science of fools with long memories."

Heraldry, Historically and Practically Considered, by S.F.A. Caulfeild (Girl's Own Paper, 1887)

Beautifully illustrated history of heraldry.

The Days of Chivalry, by S.F.A. Caulfeild (Girl's Own Paper, 1888)

Following on to the history of heraldry, this looks at chivalric customs, badges, and more.

On Pedigrees, by James Dallas (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1889)

Orders for Women, by S.F.A. Caulfeild (Girl's Own Paper, 1890)

Decorations, medals and "orders" available to women, both in the UK and abroad, and their history.