The Civic Arms of Russia
by N.A.Soboleva, Institute of Russian History 1998, ISBN 5-255-01331-5

Reviewed by: M.A.Sherwood-Jenkins

Star rating:
for English readers
for Russian Readers

Whilst it is usual for book reviews to concentrate on the new we have included this volume (and may include others) because of its value to Russian philatelists and its relative obscurity in Western European circles. As is often the case, fine works can be overlooked when not published in English: this is just such a work and deserves better recognition.

This book is a quality work printed on glossy paper and hardbound with dust jacket. It is perhaps a unique reference work containing large colour illustrations and descriptions of the official coats of arms of more than 300 Russian cities and towns.

Some of these arms are centuries old and others have grown during the Soviet period and reflect the industrial achievements of the times.

The book covers not only Russia-proper but also those of the capitals of the autonomous republics, regional centres and of many district towns. An alphabetical index is provided that runs in accordance with the contemporary administrative divisions of Russia.

Each coat of arms is fully described including date of grant, herald and a historical sketch. This is useful as it provides some background to the choices of the designs.

Besides the above there are also chapters on the history of arms in Russia, heraldic art in Russia and the revival of these traditions. Also included is a brief description of the heraldic rules applying to arms.

The authors are members of the Heraldic Commission of the Department of History at the Russian Academy of Sciences; contributions have come, as well, from The Union of Students of Local History and The Russian Heraldic Society.

The book is published in Russian with a brief introduction in English, German and French. As is typical of such publications in Russia the quality is superb: they really do know how to make beautiful books and it is worth buying for the illustrations alone.

As is often the case in Russia prices vary a little from shop to shop but the book costs around 300-500 Roubles (?7-10) which is an absolute bargain. Obviously it will cost more if imported. But it will still be worth the money to the serious collector of Zemstvos, Fiscals or Seals, many of which have designs based around these arms. For those who can read Russian it will also provide some interesting material for write up of such items.

Recommendation: Buy

Reviewers Note: If anyone in the UK is interested I hope to be in St. Petersburg at the end March or beginning April and can check the main bookshops for a copy if you want one. Mail me at Rossiya@bsrp.org