Slovenský znak, jeho pôvod a vývoj do roku 1918 (slovensky) – Vrtel Ladislav (2021)

The work of a renowned Slovak heraldist explores the Byzantine origin of the double cross, its pre-heraldic developmental period, as well as its later significant position in the royal symbolism of medieval Hungary and subsequently in the state symbolism of the Habsburg monarchy. It particularly examines its relationship to Slovakia, the process through which it became a generally accepted symbol of Upper Hungary – Slovakia in the 18th century, and subsequently the Slovak national coat of arms. It shows how, since 1848, representatives of the national movement expressed each of their political constitutional projects through a certain heraldic representation of their existence within a multinational state structure. It traces the emphasis on Slovak symbolism on the battle flags and insignia of the Czechoslovak legions and the extraordinary contribution of Milan Rastislav Štefánik to the creation of the symbolism of the first Czechoslovak resistance. The work reveals the historical sources of the current state symbolism of the Slovak Republic and, according to expert assessments, far exceeds everything that has been written on the subject. The book is followed by another upcoming publication by the author, tracking the emergence and development of Czechoslovak and Slovak state symbolism from 1918 to 1993.