Australian Flags and Emblems

Our Stories: Australian Flags and Emblems by Karen Tayleur (Walker Books)
PB RRP $17.95
ISBN 9781742031095
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Vexillology is the study of flags, and comes from the Latin word vexillum meaning banner or flag. What a wonderful word to describe this fascinating subject.

This offering from the outstanding Our Stories series covers a great deal of information surrounding Flags and Emblems, Coats of Arms and Heraldry. The flag section represents the Australian flag, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Union Jack Flags, all the Australian States’ flags, plus how and why the flags were chosen.

For the Coats of Arms of each flag there is a complete breakdown of the six parts, Crest, Wreath or Torse, Supporter, Compartment, Motto or Name, and Shield or Escutcheon. There is also brief and interesting history of the settlement of each State.

The simple and clear design of the entire book is geared towards easy learning and understanding about the history of our country, its Flags and Emblems. It’s a gold mine of information with wonderful images to complement the excellent text.

At the end, there is a list of eight other Australian flags such as the Defence Force, the Eureka Flag etc., accompanied by information, plus a section concerning Flag Protocol, winding up with a valuable Glossary and Index.