This work investigates the historical development, methodologies, and social significance of genealogical research within the English context. Sir Anthony Richard Wagner, a former Garter Principal King of Arms, utilizes his extensive expertise in heraldry and archival research to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how lineage has been documented and interpreted in England over the centuries. The text argues that genealogy is not merely a pursuit of ancestry but a vital component of social history that reflects the evolution of English law, class structure, and record-keeping practices.

Experts and historians frequently cite this work as a foundational text for those interested in the formal study of English ancestry. Readers often note the scholarly density of the prose, which reflects the author's deep immersion in the professional traditions of the College of Arms.