Product Ref: FH-012
English Genealogy by Anthony Richard Wagner (Second Hand)
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English Genealogy by Sir Anthony Richard Wagner is a seminal work that explores the development, practice, and cultural significance of genealogy in England. First published in 1960 by Oxford University Press, this authoritative volume reflects Wagner’s deep expertise as Garter Principal King of Arms and his lifelong dedication to heraldry and lineage.
The book is structured in two main parts. The first two-thirds delve into the social and historical context of English genealogy—examining how family structures, land ownership, and class shaped the recording of ancestry. Wagner traces the evolution of genealogical interest from medieval times through the Victorian era, highlighting the role of heralds, antiquarians, and legal institutions.
The final third focuses on methodology, offering guidance on interpreting sources such as heraldic visitations, parish registers, and legal documents. Wagner also critiques the limitations and biases of genealogical records, encouraging a critical and historically informed approach.
What makes this book enduring is its blend of scholarly rigor and narrative clarity. It’s not just a manual for tracing lineage—it’s a reflection on how English society has remembered and recorded its past. A must-read for serious genealogists and historians alike.