Flags, the World Encyclopedia of: An illustrated guide to international flags, banners, standards and ensigns

Alfred Znamierowski seems to have cornered the market in informative flag books and this latest version of his encyclopedia is an excellent buy. I originally bought Brian Johnson Barker's 'Complete guide to flags of the world' and though it it's good and up to date I didn't think the thick paper and the perfect binding on the paperback edition would last too long with regular usage.For more or less the same money as the Johnson Barker book this 'World encyclopedia of flags' is vastly superior. The 256 pages are split into two sections, the first looks at flags (and pennants) historically, flag design, usage, government, military and naval flags et cetera. The second part details flags of the world and frequently breaks these down to flags of country regions. Each gets some detail about the origins and meanings of the flag's graphic elements.There are some interesting pages at the back with flags from international organisations, regional and local flags, peoples and causes like Arapaho indians, Irish-American, Sami people of northern Finland. A nice touch, I thought, were the three pages devoted to house flags like Getty Oil or Sheraton hotels and the very last pages before the Index a look at yacht flags.The six hundred flags in the book are shown on well designed pages and obviously all in colour. Some readers might find the caption type a bit small but other than that a remarkably comprehensive look at what's at the top of the flagpole, past and present.

An excellent reference publication, detailing the history of flags from around the world.With excellent colour illustrations of the flags.

Perfect product and great price

It's well illustrated and handsome, but but but.....the text is slightly turgid and I'm not sure whether it's reaching to capture new enthusiasts or inform the merely curious. It's not a page-turner by any stretch but well worth having.

Incredibly well illustrated and very well written. So much information for flag lovers to absorb. I'd recommend this

My 8 year old daughter loves this - her 'trusty old book'

Very pleased, good clean condition, arrived quickly. Would use seller again. Book is large and heavy but full of interesting facts, flag pictures and a each chapter has a basic map of the the countries in that continent, useful to get your bearings.

MUCH BETTER THAN EXPECTED. NOT ONLY ALL THE FLAGS BUT THE HISTORY ECT. & SO MUCH MORE IMFORMATION. WOULD RECOMEND.