A Needle in the Right Hand of God: The Norman Conquest of 1066 and the Making and Meaning of the ...
The Bayeux Tapestry is the world’s most famous textile–an exquisite 230-foot-long embroidered panorama depicting the events surrounding...
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reviews
Jul 13, 2009
Thomas
rated it: 
If you think art history class is dull, try unplugging the projector. If the professor doesn't notice, you'll have a good idea of what it's like to read this audiobook. Do yourself a favor and get the pocket-sized version of the Bayeux Tapestry before listening to this book. Otherwise, there really is no point.
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Oct 15, 2011
Marks54
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This is a good book on the Bayeux Tapestry. I will be visiting a daughter visiting in France this year and want to visit Bayeux, so this is part of my "homework". My interest in Bayeux began with an earlier trip to the Hastings battlefield so going the home of the Tapestry is a logical next step.
The book is very clear about the tapestry itself (which actually isn't a tapestry), the Battle of Hastings, the Norman Conquest, and the history of the Tapestry and its broader soci More...
The book is very clear about the tapestry itself (which actually isn't a tapestry), the Battle of Hastings, the Norman Conquest, and the history of the Tapestry and its broader soci More...
Jan 25, 2009
Sbuchler
rated it:
Genre: History
This book isn't really what I thought it would be: We don't _know_ who made the Bayeaux Tapestry - there are 5 believable patrons, each of which would have a different reason for commissioning the piece. There is no record of where or what workshop created it.
I have learned a bit more about the politics at the time, which is interesting (although the way it's written up is kinda dull). And there is depressingly little on the textile component of the Tapestry More...
This book isn't really what I thought it would be: We don't _know_ who made the Bayeaux Tapestry - there are 5 believable patrons, each of which would have a different reason for commissioning the piece. There is no record of where or what workshop created it.
I have learned a bit more about the politics at the time, which is interesting (although the way it's written up is kinda dull). And there is depressingly little on the textile component of the Tapestry More...
Feb 11, 2010
Cindy
rated it:
The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the few artifacts that is truly unique. Measuring 230 feet long and only 20 or so inches high, it was designed to commemorate the Battle of Hastings. It depicts the death of King Edward the Confessor, the coronation of King Harold and then the invasion of William of Normandy who became known as the Conqueror.
I had high hopes for this book, but it wasn't quite what I was hoping for. It was strongest when it stuck to the story of the tapestry itself. I wa More...
I had high hopes for this book, but it wasn't quite what I was hoping for. It was strongest when it stuck to the story of the tapestry itself. I wa More...
Nov 20, 2011
Ronda Jean
rated it: 
Actually an 'embroidery' rather than a tapestry as pointed out by Mr. Bloch, the Bayeux Tapestry has always interested me. This book not only explains in detail the events depicted on the tapestry, but also delves into world history at the time it was created. It is amazing how many cultural influences are displayed find their way into this work of art. I found this book well written and tremdously interesting.
Jul 29, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
I had no idea how big this is, and the book goes into so much depth I feel like I earned credit toward a doctorate in Medieval history, warfare, art and culture.
Oct 12, 2011
Possibly one of the more boring audiobooks I've gotten in awhile. Even my interest in embroidery just isn't enough to keep me going past the first CD.
Nov 25, 2011
Dale
rated it:
Completely disappointed with this book. This could have been a lively historical narrative about the creation and historical context of the tapestry. The tapestry is such an amazing one-of-a-kind artifact created during a time of fascinating European events. Instead, the author gives us a dull, disjointed account. The book contains many interesting tidbits of information, but arranged in such a way as to wring out every ounce of life and energy.
I wish an author like Ross King (Brunelleschi More...
I wish an author like Ross King (Brunelleschi More...
Aug 07, 2008
Technically half-read. It is an interesting presentation of the different theories around who made the Bayeux Tapestry, where and why, but it was taking so long to come to any conclusions I got bored and gave up.
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