Traditional heraldry, originating in the culture of the High Middle Ages, is a whole symbolic system, the "deciphering" and research of which can be a non—trivial source of information about a particular period of human history. Evgeny Pchelov's book introduces readers to Russian pre—revolutionary noble heraldry and its reflection on the history of Russia in the XVIII-early XX century. How were the coats of arms drawn up and what did they mean? What can they tell not only about their owners, but also about the cultural history of the country during the imperial period? What is the reflection of the symbolism of coats of arms in literature, fine arts and social life of Russia over the centuries? Answering these questions, the author simultaneously dispels common myths and misconceptions related to heraldry.Evgeny Pchelov is a Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Auxiliary Historical Disciplines and Archeography of the Historical Faculty of the Historical and Archival Institute of the Russian State State University, a leading researcher at the S. I. Vavilov Institute of the History of Natural Sciences and Technology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Read more…