Full Description
The Bayeux Tapestry is a unique historical artwork almost 70 metres long, which tells the story of the events leading to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by William, Duke of Normandy. Its account of the eleventh century in England and France is like no other, revealing details from civil and military architecture to armour, seafaring and everyday life. Featuring a full-colour reproduction of the Tapestry, this beautiful new book allows the reader to follow the narrative visually, while texts from international experts unpick the importance of the work in understanding this pivotal point in European history. The latest research into the Tapestry is presented across five chapters that explore its patronage, design and production, its status as an iconic work of art, and its depictions of daily life. Focused profiles woven throughout introduce key figures from the world of the Tapestry, offering moments of personal connection within the sweeping story. This publication marks the historic moment of the loan of the Tapestry to the British Museum, the first time it has been displayed outside of France in almost 1,000 years.
Contents
Preface(s) Director's foreword Introduction - Sue Brunning and Michael Lewis The Bayeux Tapestry, scene by scene Chapter 1: Historical context - David Bates Profile: Edward the Confessor - Tom Licence Profile: Harold Godwinson - Tom Licence Profile: William of Normandy - Pierre Bauduin Chapter 2: Patronage and display - Elizabeth Pastan Profile: Queen Edith - Pauline Stafford Chapter 3: Design and production - Alexandra Lester-Makin and Gale R. Owen-Crocker Profile: Ælfgva/Emma - Elisabeth van Houts Chapter 4: Artistic context - Richard Gameson Odo, Bishop of Bayeux - David Bates Chapter 5: Everyday life - Martin Bostal and Luc Bourgeois Profile: Minor characters (author TBC) Conclusion: The 'afterlife' of the Bayeux Tapestry - Lloyd de Beer, Naomi Speakman and Clémentine Paquier-Berthelot Notes, Select bibliography Acknowledgements, Credits, Index
