This two volume set, originally published in 1897, has become the cornerstone of knowledge for every serious medal collector, researcher and writer. It is truly an outstanding and remarkable work full of original documented facts, illuminated by a comprehensive range of medal illustrations that have never been equalled in any other reference work. Mayo served at India House and became Assistant Military Secretary, he was privy to all the Colonial correspondence and Mint invoices, giving him an incomparable insider s knowledge. The important facts and figures relating to the early Indian and Afghanistan campaign medals within this work have been used by authors and compilers. Commencing with the famous Elizabethan Amada medals of 1588, the listing of the early awards is quite staggering in its scope, with obverse and reverse of these rare pieces superbly illustrated. Some 115 illustrations of awards prior to 1800 are set out with a most informative text, which often includes warrants, decrees and citations. Also detailed are other gallantry and service rewards such as Jewels, Chains, Swords, Badges and Presentation Scarves. The texts setting out the Napoleonic period Gold Crosses, Gold Medals and their ornate battle bars, are accompanied by Official letters and decrees. The Duke of Wellington s magnificent enamelled double chain Gold Collar and Cross awarded for the peninsular and Waterloo is shown in a full colour plate. The text and illustrations of campaign awards for Maida, the Peninsular War, Waterloo, Ceylon, Manila, Java, Burma, Afghanistan, Scinde and other Indian battles, are often accompanied with their respective despatches. Issuance figures for some awards are confirmed from British and Indian Mint records. East India Company citations give an insight into some rewards - for instance a named Subadar is noted as being awarded a gold medal and a grant of land for his gallant service at Agra. All the Victorian awards up to 1897 are encompassed, i.e.:Gallantry, Campaign and Service awards, many medals are illustrated with their range of multiple campaign bars. Also detailed are: Long and Meritorious Service medals. The (F.O.) Foreign Service medals, all type reverses are shown. Miss Nightingale s Jewel. Best Shot medals for British Army, Indian Army, Bengal Arm, Indian Volunteers. Arctic medals are detailed together with a listing of the ships involved. The work also embraces may associated award including: Davison s Nile and Boulton s Trafalgar medals. The Magdala Medal, four types illustrated. The Pollock Medals, National Rifle Association medals. Recipients of City of London Swords of Honour and East India Company presentation swords. A section names military and naval service dogs that have been awarded medals. The information within these two volumes will reward and expand the knowledge of even the most informed medal enthusiast. No medal library can afford to be without this premier work of reference.