Tra le molte iniziative di aiuto alle popolazioni di Haiti a cui potremo aderire in questi giorni, ritengo utile segnalare anche agli Utenti di questo Forum questa così particolare di cui ho avuto notizia questa mattina da Mr. Jhon Shannon, Presidente del College of Arms Foundation Inc. e che riporto di seguito integralmente.
Saluti cordiali.
Marco Foppoli
«In response to the calamitous earthquake that struck Haiti on the evening of 12 January 2010, the College of Arms has announced that all proceeds arising from future sales of The Armorial of Haiti: Symbols of Nobility in the Reign of Henry Christophe (ISBN 978-09506980-2-1) will be donated to the island relief effort.
The book is an edition, with commentary, of an extraordinary heraldic manuscript created in Haiti in the second decade of the nineteenth century and now held in the College of Arms. It was published by the College in 2007 and is available on-line for £45 (plus shipping and handling) at http://www.college-of-arms.gov.uk/Haiti.htm and through amazon.co.uk.
Clive Cheesman, Rouge Dragon Pursuivant of the College, said: "This is the least we can do. We are in possession of a Haitian artifact that has brought us welcome positive attention and some money, and since we are in a position to reach people who might not otherwise be reached by the relief campaign, and to offer them something in exchange for their donation."
"Production costs for the book have been met and all sums received by the College over and above normal shipping and handling costs will be held for the benefit of a recognized charity working towards the international relief effort, the charity to be selected on the basis of official advice," he continued.
All those who have not yet acquired a copy of this book are urged to consider doing so and to mention it to others who may be interested either in New World heraldry, in Caribbean history or, specifically, in the politics and culture of Haiti. Doing so will raise money directly for the relief of the nation that produced this unusual and fascinating artifact.
"If you have already purchased a copy of the book, or as an alternative to doing so now, please consider donating directly to the effort to the relief campaign through a charity of your choice," Mr. Cheesman said.»

