This is the absorbing story of the Office of Arms -Ireland's heraldic authority - and the oldest Office of State. Founded in 1552, and derived from an earlier medieval heraldry based on the traditions of sovereigns and members of the nobility, today the Office has a much wider relevance, providing heraldic services for Irish people and institutions throughout the world. This book is the history of its remarkable survival during the last 150 years, when it bridged the transition from Crown Government to Republican State.