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The story of the Bayeux Tapestry - its origins and making, but also its long and dramatic afterlife, from 1066 to Napoleon, Nazi raids and modern adverts.

About the Author

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.

Reviews

Hick's enchantment with the tapestry is compelling, and her style confident and writerly
*Daily Telegraph*

Hicks tells her fascinating tale with the deftest of touches
*Guardian*

I was bowled over... it is a book full of page-turning vignettes
*Sunday Telegraph*

A fittingly meticulous tribute to the world's fiddliest masterpiece
*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
*Times Literary Supplement*

A perceptive and sure-footed guide… Hicks tells her fascinating tale with deftest of touches
*Guardian*

Hicks' enchantment with the tapestry is compelling and her style confident and writerly
*Daily Telegraph*

A beguiling study
*Financial Times*