PREFACE
Sir Guy Laking died on the 22nd of November 1919, a few days after his publishers had been able to send him the first volume of his European Armour and Arms. The other four volumes were in type.
Not long before he died he expressed a wish that I should do what was necessary to complete the publication of his book. He left a considerable number of notes and illustrations which he had intended to introduce into his text. I have endeavoured to carry out those intentions.
Like Sir Guy I have, when in difficulty, turned to Mr. S. J. Whawell, who has generously given me the benefit of his great knowledge.
The Baron de Cosson has spared himself neither time nor trouble in courteously replying to the many inquiries that I have addressed him.
In writing his book Sir Guy Laking did not think it necessary to give precise references to the authorities from which he quoted; moreover, his authorities were often opinions of experts expressed to him viva voce. If I have succeeded in verifying most of the references to books, it has been mainly due to the help of Mr. Charles Beard, who possesses a wide and accurate acquaintance with the literature of Arms and Armour.
The author's old friends, Sir Edward Barry, Bart., Sir Henry Farnham Burke, K.C.V.O., Garter King of Arms, Mr. W. H. Fenton, J.P., Mr. J. Seymour Lucas, R.A., Mr. F. A. Harman Oates, F.S.A., and Mr. H. Plowman, F.S.A. have all helped me, and I thank them most sincerely.
38 York Terrace, N.W.1
June 1920.
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