Orsolya's Reviews > The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry: Unraveling the Norman Conquest

The Bayeux Tapestry (which, in fact, is an embroidery on linen and not a tapestry at all); is iconic in scope concerning both English history and as an art piece. Pictorially telling the events of the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings in 1066; its creation, content and impact have mesmerized academics, historians, art students and pop culture to unprecedented levels and will continue to do so into prosperity. David Musgrove and Michael Lewis explore the ‘tapestry’ in, “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry: Unraveling the Norman Conquest”.

There are no two better-qualified individuals to come together to dissect the Bayeux Tapestry than David Musgrove and Michael Lewis. Musgrove is not the only the Content Director for the BBC History family of magazines (yes, plural); but also holds a PhD in Medieval Archaeology. Meanwhile, Michael Lewis holds a slew of credentials as the Head of Portable Antiquities and Treasure at the British Museum, Professor of archaeology, expert on the Bayeux Tapestry and member of the Bayeux Tapestry committee in charge of the redisplay of the embroidery. This alone ups the ante of “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” and pressures it to deliver to demand.

“The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is an antiquarian lecture studying the embroidery in all its aspects from intent, creation, purpose, and textile & art history to social history accompanied by 145 illustrations. Although this sounds ambitious, lengthy and is lots of ground to cover in one volume; “The Story of Bayeux Tapestry” is readable, easy-to-understand, fast-paced and has an exciting narrative making it both educational/functional and entertaining.

Musgrove and Lewis begin “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” analyzing the who, when and why of embroidery using detective/sleuth skills and the few historical sources available to fully encapsulate the meaning of the Bayeux Tapestry. Being that the answers to all these questions are speculation; the authors traverse all schools of thought and variables without offering any biased, uneducated streams (albeit, occasionally intermingled with a hint of British humor). This gives “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” both a macro and micro look into the embroidery/Norman Conquest offering readers an extensive and well-rounded portrait.

“The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” serves as a scene-by-scene exploration of the textile history but also stands as a scholarly breakdown of the fall of the Anglo-Saxon period and the Norman invasion in English history. Often, these eras are complicated to understand/remember even for the staunchest English history enthusiast; but Musgrove and Lewis impressively offer a text that is incredibly engaging with, “Now I get it!” – moments in an organic and effortless way. The entire text is cohesive with a fast heartbeat. The formatting is also to the readers’ benefit compartmentalizing the embroidery into focal points supplemented with graphics of the actual Bayeux Tapestry. “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is buttoned-up with finesse.

Co-authors often run the risk of contrasting tones that fail to mesh seamlessly and incur frequent repetition of material. Musgrove and Lewis overcome these hurdles with a cohesive, singular voice and keep repetition to a bare minimum resulting in an intriguing output. “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is difficult to put down due to its fascinating essence but readers will be encouraged to do so in order to extend the journey.

Although academic in nature; “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is far from dry. Musgrove and Lewis offer a text that is so simple and yet multi-layered with a magical shine that can’t properly be described and rather needs to be experienced first-hand. Occasionally, Musgrove and Lewis suggest their own interpretation and raise further questions that flow on a philosophical strand and give readers ‘food for thought’.

“The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” concludes with highlights of its historical, cultural and social legacies/impact showing its effects throughout history to modern day. In this manner, “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is summarized on a strong and memorable note. Musgrove and Lewis supplement “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” with a visual representation of the entire embroidery, a timeline of key period events and further reading notes (although these notes are very cluttered).

“The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is absolutely phenomenal both in content and execution and is a pleasure to read. It can go as far as being in the top of antiquarian literature/history. “The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry” is recommended for all English history buffs and those interested in antiquated art/artifacts.