The Tapestry Book

A vivid, richly illustrated survey walks listeners through the history of tapestry, from ancient Byzantine panels to the grand workshops of Renaissance Europe. The narrative highlights how these woven masterpieces reflected the artistic, religious, and political currents of their age. Along the way, it introduces striking examples—from a 15th‑century French “Lady and the Unicorn” to a colorful Brussels piece depicting Herse and Mercury.

The book’s structure follows a chronological journey, with chapters devoted to antiquity, Gothic and Renaissance styles, and the rise of famous factories such as Gobelins, Beauvais and Aubusson. Technical sections explain how tapestries were designed, dyed, and woven, and offer tips for identifying marks and borders. Over ninety‑nine black‑and‑white illustrations and several full‑color plates bring the textures and details to life for the ear.

Prepared with the assistance of museum curators and major collections, the author combines scholarly rigor with an accessible, conversational tone. Listeners gain a clear sense of how tapestries functioned as storytelling media, status symbols, and devotional objects. The result is an engaging guide that makes the world of historic textiles vivid and memorable.