For more than nine hundred years the Bayeux Tapestry--one of the world's greatest historical documents and artistic achievements--has preserved the...
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Nov 08, 2011
BarbaraNathalie
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I happily stumbled onto this fascinating look at textile as history. The tapestry is a very long, horizontal piece of embroidery that depicts events relating to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This event changed the course of history. However, what interests me is not the battle itself; I'm most curious about those people who put in the hours to make the tapestry. Did they make and dye their own thread? What plants did they use? Were they monks or nuns? Whom was it made for?
The his More...
The his More...
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Mar 05, 2011
Cassie
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Three and a half stars would be more appropriate, but I want to be stingy with my stars because I don't want to come across as easy to please...
1066, the year, is extremely significant in world history and this tapestry is one of the few remaining contemporary pieces to not only give us insight as to what happened, but also the thoughts and feelings of those who were directly affected by the Norman Invasion. Affects that will continue to linger for many years to come. The topic is exceed More...
1066, the year, is extremely significant in world history and this tapestry is one of the few remaining contemporary pieces to not only give us insight as to what happened, but also the thoughts and feelings of those who were directly affected by the Norman Invasion. Affects that will continue to linger for many years to come. The topic is exceed More...
Jul 03, 2010
Myles
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A really interesting and fun history read that one can be confident in. Bridgeford has extensive end notes that explain his reasoning and plausible assumptions - and is honest when the historical record is blank! Which is refreshing when so many historians simply make up something and expect the reader to take it as gospel. His bibliography is thorough as well and referenced frequently without becoming distracting.
Bridgeford is convincing in his argument about the subversive elements More...
Bridgeford is convincing in his argument about the subversive elements More...
Apr 03, 2009
Allyson
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I am hardly an expert on this period in history and some of the assumptions made in this book seemed like rather large leaps to me (though I suppose they might not actually be culturally-speaking), but even the less likely leaps just sort of added to the fun of the premise behind the book. I had only a vague understanding of the 1066 invasion of England but I walked away from this work with a greater and more thorough comprehension. I found it very readably interesting and easily understandabl
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Feb 04, 2010
Rachel
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I generally approach historical nonfiction with a little trepidation; I have found I don't know as much about history as I would like and am often a little befuddled when names of people and places are thrown around willy-nilly and I am expected to know who they are and why they're important.
In this case, I was delighted to find that my lack of expertise did not altogether hinder my enjoyment of a pretty impressive analysis of the Bayeux tapestry. I enjoyed the style of writing (si More...
In this case, I was delighted to find that my lack of expertise did not altogether hinder my enjoyment of a pretty impressive analysis of the Bayeux tapestry. I enjoyed the style of writing (si More...
Sep 24, 2008
John
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When the "Sopranos" ended last year, the show simply cut to black in the middle of a scene. Fans were outraged at the lack of resolution, but the producers explained that viewers were supposed to supply their own interpretation of what happened next. Clues to Tony Soprano's fate were sprinkled throughout the series, but the actual events, the definitive explanation, would always remain a point of conjecture. Maybe it's this unease with ambiguity that leads us to make histories, to get
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Aug 20, 2011
heather
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decent enough for a non-academic book. the writing is kind of repetitive. some of the interpretations seem viable and inspired, others contradict themselves, and some sound like conspiracy theories. this was worth reading & i think that the practice of reapproaching a work that seems done is a good thing. bridgeford didn't convince me that he was always right, but he did thoroughly convince me that he's asking questions that are worth asking.
Jul 28, 2011
The author milks the tapestry to basically guess as to the many of the events depicted on it. While some events (such as the Battle of Hastings itself) are a no-brainer, others are a little bit more murky. However, the premise of the book is a great vehicle for the author's attempt to convey a sense of the events that lead up to the Norman invasion.
Aug 01, 2009
Stephanie
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I think that Bridgeford's interpretation is interesting and I enjoyed parts of it, but after a while, he seems to be reaching. The entire work is interpretation and takes a lot for granted with not enough evidence to back it up. I recommend read the first half, but leave the second half alone (except for the Aelfgyf chapter....that was very interesting).
Apr 17, 2011
David
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Did you know that the dwarf Turold from the Bayeux Tapestry actually wrote the Song of Roland? You didn't? I suspect Turold didn't either. This is a very tedious book, made the more so by the author's wilder speculations. But if you're a 1066 nut, this may be worth your time.
Apr 05, 2011
Matt
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Fascinating synthesis of analytical opinion on the substance of the Bayeux tapestry; what it reveals of the Norman conquest as well as cluess to its creators and hints of the history hidden from contemporary written accounts.
Oct 05, 2011
Ljonz
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Every few years I revitalize my interest in the Bayeaux Tapestry, English and French history, and needlework, by reading books about the Tapestry and looking at it closely.
Also found a book at the libary with large, clear pictures of the entire Tapestry. Also read A Needle in the Right Hand of God around the same time. Historians study the Tapestry for clues about daily life (and war) in medievel times, and so can we! I hope to go see it in person someday. The original is on displ More...
Also found a book at the libary with large, clear pictures of the entire Tapestry. Also read A Needle in the Right Hand of God around the same time. Historians study the Tapestry for clues about daily life (and war) in medievel times, and so can we! I hope to go see it in person someday. The original is on displ More...
Mar 04, 2009
Suzan
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I learned so much from this book but the only chapter I really loved was Chapter 4 Stiches in Time. A worthwhile read but difficult.
May 31, 2008
Carmen
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I first saw pictures of this embroidery in 1966, when my grandmother used the cover and article of National Geographic to show me how learning embroidery could be a good thing. I vowed to go there some day, and I have. By reading this book, I learned that many of my previous misconceptions were untrue. I had thought it was made for the Bayeux Cathedral, and this was untrue. Reading the book gives you the chance to look at all the panels in such details, that are never allowed in Bayeux, as t
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May 27, 2007
Meredith
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Andrew Bridgeford takes a very thorough look at the events of 1066, which lead to the Norman Conquest of England. His main purpose of doing so is to explain the iconography of the Bayeaux Tapestry, challenging the long accepted interpretations of the embroidered tale. He comes up with some very interesting theories and clearly has done his research, but sometimes with 11th century history, you just can't prove things. Bridgeford runs into this problem at times. I think his ideas are very goo
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Oct 09, 2009
Sylvia
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A quiet and well-researched little book, which gives an interesting and historically consistent view of the history and meaning of the Tapestry. The association with the Song of Roland, and the significance of the named individuals, provided an in-depth view of the time of the Conquest. Somewhat reminiscent of 1421 - the Year the Chinese discovered America, in that seemingly disparate evidence are wound into a coherent story.
Feb 28, 2008
The revisionist history part of this book is somewhat less than compelling, but still it's worth reading just for the immensely detailed description of the tapestry itself and its wild history. Harold with the old 'arrow in the eye' trick! It is amazing that the tapestry exists, I was pleased to become so acquainted with its story.
Jun 01, 2008
Jett
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Add 2 stars to my review if you've seen the thing in person. Deduct two stars if you haven't. After that, you just need to be a fan of history, and the impact of French/Norman dominance on Anglo-Saxon culture (which is so deeply rooted in our language and culture that we hardly notice it anymore).
Oct 18, 2009
Lee
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A little conspiracy theory-ish at times. A few assumptions that make you say, "I don't know, Andrew Bridgeford..."
But when you look at the big picture, it's an interesting argument. A good read and entertaining. I recommend it.
But when you look at the big picture, it's an interesting argument. A good read and entertaining. I recommend it.
Mar 19, 2008
Colin
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A somewhat interesting, if nonessential, bit of writing about the true origin and meaning of the Bayeux Tapestry (the author posits a subversive, pro-Saxon meaning to the imagery). Fun . . . well, for geeks like me . . .
Feb 22, 2010
Gregory
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What if Dan Brown wrote non-fiction? Worth reading for the scene-by-scene analysis of the tapestry, but a bit heavy on conjectures that seem more like conspiracy theory.
Aug 25, 2008
Julie
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Incredible book about the Bayeux Tapestry, which I was able to see in France. For me, this book made sense of the tapestry and I understood it so much better! Wish I'd read it before I saw it.
Mar 18, 2008
Emily
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Thousand years on, who knows? But the author's speculation and comparisons of competing theories about whose message the tapestry was intended to tell are fascinating.
Apr 11, 2008
Fionna
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I don't read non fiction very much. Was able to finish this though but probably because the type was size 50 and it was written with a 3 syllable max.
Feb 07, 2012
