Posted in
|
Carola Hicks
|
|
||
|
Genre
|
|||
|
Media
|
Book
|
||
Publisher | Vintage | ||
ISBN | 9780099450191 | ||
|
Reviewer
|
Jayne
|
Synopsis
The vivid scenes on the Bayeux Tapestry depict the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is one of Europe's greatest treasures and its own story is full of drama and surprise. Who commissioned the tapestry? Was it Bishop Odo, William's ruthless half-brother? Or Harold's dynamic sister Edith, juggling for a place in the new court?
Hicks shows us this world and the miracle of the tapestry's making: the stitches, dyes and strange details in the margins. For centuries, it lay ignored in Bayeux cathedral until its 'discovery' in the eighteenth century. It became a symbol of power as well as art: townsfolk saved it during the French Revolution; Napoleon displayed it to promote his own conquest; the Nazis strove to make it their own; and its influence endures today. This marvellous book, packed with thrilling stories, shows how we remake history in every age and how a great work of art has a life of its own.
Review
This is a fascinating true story of one of the world's masterpieces - The Bayeux tapestry which depicts historic moments from 1066 onwards. This is a beautiful way of showing what happened between William of Orange who defeated King Harold of England - at the Battle of Hastings.
The name of Bayeux Tapestry was given to the work because it was sewn on linen and stitched with wool. This would be a lasting memorial to what happened, and kept safe in the town of Bayuex, France.
This particular version is not the best one to read because the tapestry is just shown in small clips in each chapter. It would probably be better if at the front or the back of the book there was a fulll length picture of the tapestry and then put section lines relating to the parts and chapters.
The book is written for those who enjoy delving into facts and figures; on a historical and factual artifact it would be a book to keep any historian fascinated for hours.
If you enjoy what we provide, please consider making a donation.
