The Bayeux Tapestry by Carola Hicks
One of Europe s greatest artistic treasures, the Bayeux Tapestry depicts the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. For all its fame, its origins and story are complex and somewhat cloudy. Though many assume it was commissioned by Bishop OdoWilliam s ruthless half-brotherit may also have been financed by Harold s dynamic sister Edith, who was juggling for a place in the new court. In this intriguing study, medieval art historian Carola Hicks investigates the miracle of the tapestry s makingincluding the unique stitches, dyes, and strange details in the marginsas well as its complicated past. For centuries it lay ignored in Bayeux cathedral until its discovery in the 18th century. It quickly became a symbol of power: townsfolk saved it during the French Revolution, Napoleon displayed it to promote his own conquest, and the Nazis strove to make it their own. Packed with thrilling stories, this history shows how every great work of art has a life of its own.
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 *
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 *
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.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780099450191 |
| ISBN 10 | 0099450194 |
| Title | The Bayeux Tapestry |
| Author | Carola Hicks |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Vintage Publishing |
| Year published | 2007-03-01 |
| Number of pages | 368 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |