The academic as well as public interest in heraldry has triggered an enormous amount of literature concerned with introducing and teaching heraldry. Here we seek to compile a list of reliable resources that can be used as manuals and textbooks, ideally available online.
Arthur Charles Fox-Davies. A Complete Guide to Heraldry. New York: Dodge 1909:
Though published a century ago, Fox-Davies’ introduction remains one of the main introductions to heraldry in the English language . Though mainly concerned with British heraldry, it is still a valuable textbook for anyone engaging with coats of arms. Luckily, the guide is available online.
Weblink: https://archive.org/details/cu31924029796608
Filip’s book is one of the latest introductions to heraldry in German. In a general introduction Filip explains origin and development of heraldry, as well as the main rules that emerged out of this process. After dealing with heralds and explaining the main heraldic sources, Filip gives a general detailed overview of forms, contents and varieties of heraldic signs and related sources such as medals and banners, followed by a brief look at peculiarities in specific countries and spheres(such as ecclesiastical heraldry). A caveat on services providing coats of arms as well as a general bibliography is also provided.

