Canadian Symbols of Authority: Maces, Chains, and Rods of Office

by Corinna Pike, Christopher McCreery, Andrew Duke of York (Foreword by)

Overview

The first book to examine the various parliamentary maces, rods, badges, and chains of office used throughout Canada, Canadian Symbols of Authority details how these devices are used at every level of government, emphasizing how, like the Crown itself, they embody continuity in an ever-changing world.

Symbols of authority are not only emblems of democracy and authority but they are part of the diverse heraldic and artistic heritage of Canada. Despite Canada’s rich symbolic and ceremonial heritage, little has been written about the nations various symbols of authority or the offices that are associated with them.

From the Great Maces of the Senate and House of Commons to the Chancellors Chain of the Order of Canada and Baton of the Chief Herald, the development of Canada’s symbols of authority encompasses the past 250 years of Canadian history. Richly illustrated, this book is the most comprehensive study yet undertaken of the origins, history, and development of parliamentary maces.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459700161
Publisher:	Dundurn Press
Publication date:	06/14/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	360
File size:	48 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Christopher McCreery has served as an adviser to the Canadian and British governments on questions related to honours policy. His previous books include The Canadian Honours System and On Her Majesty’s Service. McCreery is currently the private secretary to the lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia and is executive director of Government House in Halifax.

Corinna Pike is an expert in matters pertaining to regalia, ceremonial silver, trophies, and fine jewellery, having worked many years with the royal jewellers, Garrard. Pike extended her skills to artist designer working for luxury jewellers Asprey London. Recently she returned to Garrard, and is currently the bespoke and regal jewels designer and heritage manager. She lives in New Malden, Surrey, England.

Christopher McCreery is a founding member of the Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada and is the author of more than a dozen books. He is private secretary to the lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia and is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. In 2010, he was appointed a member of the Royal Victorian Order by the Queen. He lives in Halifax.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"With its fine photographs and informative texts, this book celebrates and explains the various symbols of authority."

Editorial Reviews

"With its fine photographs and informative texts, this book celebrates and explains the various symbols of authority."

OHS Bulletin

"What could be a dry and dull subject is instead a fascinating exploration of the evolution of the various symbols."

Maclean's

"What could be a dry and dull subject is instead a fascinating exploration of the evolution of the various symbols."

"With its fine photographs and informative texts, this book celebrates and explains the various symbols of authority."

From the Publisher