The curiosities of heraldry. By Mark Antony Lower. With illustrations from old English writers and numerous engravings from designs by the author. First Published in 1845 by J.R. Smith in London. Containing chapters on such diverse topics as: The fabulous history of heraldry; The authentic history of heraldry; Rationale of the figures employed in heraldry; The chimerical figures of heraldry; The language of arms; Allusive arms--armes parlantes; Crests, supporters, badges, etc. ; Heraldric mottoes; Historical arms-augmentations; Distinctions of rank and honour; Historical notices of the College of Arms; Brief notices of distinguished heralds and heraldric writers, with quotations from their works; Genealogy and with an appendix containing essays on differences in arms, now first printed from a M.S. By sir Edward Dering, Bart.; The antient practice of borrowing armorial ensigns illustrated from the arms of Cornish families; Abatements; Grant od Arms; A curious relic of brass found at Lewis.