Flags: Some Account of their History and Uses

In a world that has long relied on sail and march for communication, the symbols that flutter above ships and battalions hold a quiet power that most people never pause to consider. This volume offers a clear‑sighted tour of flags from the ancient Egyptian and Assyrian standards to the Union Jack, the American Stars and Stripes, and the myriad banners of European courts. Filled with vivid woodcuts and coloured plates, it explains the different shapes—gonfanons, pennons, pendants—and shows how each was meant to be raised, lowered, or signalled.

The author weaves practical details with surprising stories, such as the dramatic rescue of the 24th Regiment’s colours during a South African conflict, illustrating how a simple piece of silk can embody national pride. Alongside tales of naval encounters and battlefield honors, the book points out longstanding heraldic errors in the design of Britain’s own flag and coinage, inviting readers to see these familiar emblems in a fresh light.