The Bayeux Tapestry
The Life Story of a Masterpiece
Published on 1. March 2007
Book
Paperback/Softback
368 pages
978-0-09-945019-1 (ISBN)
Description
One of Europe's greatest treasures, The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Discover the secrets behind how it was created.
Who commissioned the tapestry? Was it Bishop Odo, William the Conqueror's ruthless half-brother? Or Harold Godwinson's dynamic sister Edith, juggling for a place in the new court?
Hicks invites us into this world and the miracle of the tapestry's creation: the stitches, dyes and strange details in the margins.
For centuries the tapestry 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. The perfect companion to read before viewing the tapestry on its first UK exhibition.
'A perceptive and sure-footed guide' Guardian
'Hicks enchantment with the tapestry is compelling' Daily Telegraph
'A beguiling study' Financial Times
Who commissioned the tapestry? Was it Bishop Odo, William the Conqueror's ruthless half-brother? Or Harold Godwinson's dynamic sister Edith, juggling for a place in the new court?
Hicks invites us into this world and the miracle of the tapestry's creation: the stitches, dyes and strange details in the margins.
For centuries the tapestry 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. The perfect companion to read before viewing the tapestry on its first UK exhibition.
'A perceptive and sure-footed guide' Guardian
'Hicks enchantment with the tapestry is compelling' Daily Telegraph
'A beguiling study' Financial Times
Reviews / Votes
Hick's enchantment with the tapestry is compelling, and her style confident and writerly -- Kate Colquhoun * Daily Telegraph * Hicks tells her fascinating tale with the deftest of touches -- Helen Castor * Guardian * I was bowled over... it is a book full of page-turning vignettes -- Simon Young * Sunday Telegraph * A fittingly meticulous tribute to the world's fiddliest masterpiece -- Ned Denny * Daily Mail * Well written, well documented, quite often serious but not too grave, allergic to over -imaginative fantasy but not immune to romantic pull of those colourful worsted threads on plain linen. Carola Hicks's book weaves its own spell -- Peter Mandler * Times Literary Supplement * A perceptive and sure-footed guide... Hicks tells her fascinating tale with deftest of touches * Guardian * Hicks' enchantment with the tapestry is compelling and her style confident and writerly * Daily Telegraph * A beguiling study * Financial Times *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Vintage Publishing
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
308 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-09-945019-1 (9780099450191)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
07/2011
1st Edition
Vintage Digital
€12.99
Available for download
Person
Carola Hicks was an acclaimed art historian, and witty, perceptive writer. Born in Sussex, Carola studied archaeology at Edinburgh University, and was an actress, journalist and House of Commons Researcher, before taking up an academic career. For several years she was curator of the Stained Glass Museum at Ely Cathedral, and then became a Fellow and Director of Studies in art history at Newnham College, Cambridge. Her books include Animals in Early Medieval Art, Improper Pursuits: The Scandalous Life of Lady Di Beauclerk, and two fine 'biographies' of works of art: The Girl in the Green Gown: The History and Mystery of the Arnolfini Portrait and The King's Glass: A Story of Tudor Power and Secret Art. Carola Hicks died in 2010.