Flags Through the Ages and Across the World

Despite it being 27 years old (and as a result, having a number of now-obsolete flags in it's world flags segment), Dr. Smith has made a wonderful book of flag history, definitions, and other information for those folks like me who are intrigued by flags. This book (taking into account it's age) is by far the best reference book on flags that I now have. Thank you, Dr. Smith.

I just bought this classic in first-rate condition from a used/rare bookseller two weeks ago. What a treasure it is! It is a joy to behold, to browse, to read. The author's writing style is a bit ponderous, but that's acceptable in view of the wealth of information that he offers. The book does need updating: it's missing some information that I have in some other vexillology books (e.g., Znamierowski and Crampton) and contains a couple of subtle errors. But this criticism does nothing to dissuade me from endorsing it most highly. It's terrific!

I have owned this book since it first was published, and I love it. I read it cover to cover about once a year. It is factual, accurate, comprehensive and beautiful. The histories of several nations' flags makes me want more of the same for more countries and their flags. A section on the flags of Japanese provinces was the first time I had ever seen flags like that, which display the influence of Oriental art. But so much has changed in the last 25 years. New countries have been born; old countries have changed (and sometimes rechanged) their flags. I don't know if Dr. Smith is still alive; but couldn't someone update and enlarge the scope of this book? I know I would pay as much as $100 for a new edition -- IF it were as good as this edition is.

This is an excelent book on the subject of flags of the world. As I said in my one liner "I have been looking to buy an upgraded 1975 book." There is an article in the June 8, 1985 Santa Barbara (CA) News-Press concerning Dr. Smith. Excellent flag coverage!!