The Unicorn Tapestries

by Margaret B. Freeman

Color photographs of the seven exquisitely detailed late Gothic tapestries depicting the hunt of the unicorn, including many reproductions of important details, are enhanced by scholarly commentary on their secular and religious imagery, design, weaving,history, and ownership

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Art History, History, Historical, Mythology

Unknown Binding

First published June 1, 1976

Reviews

[``Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a unicorn addict since my early teens so reading this book was pure heaven.

Now I've got to work on my more recent rooster addiction - you should see my kitchen :D

[saizine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the Unicorn Tapestries held at the Cloisters of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Encompasses not only the detail and history of the tapestries themselves but also their context and production, the long-lasting symbolism of the unicorn in folklore, source models, and imagery. Conversational and engaging; the (very) large amount of high quality photography of the artefacts/documents/images under discussion is also a remarkable asset. If you've got any interest in medieval art, medieval folklore, or the unicorn itself, don't hesitate to pick this one up, especially since it is available from MetPublications in full text! If you fancy a primer to unicorns before reading, then the BBC Radio 4 In Our Time episode on the Unicorn may also be of use to you. Both come highly recommended from me.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in preparation for seeing the tapestries hanging in the Cluny museum in Paris. If I had not read this novel first I do not think I would have truly appreciated the craftsmanship and beauty of the tapestries. Not to mention the history they represent.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in a dream already. Oh yeah, one more thing.

So true!

[Joni Greenwell Bycroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reference book briefly mentions the Cluny tapestries, but the focus is on the Cloister tapestries of the hunt of the Unicorn.

[Elizabeth Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous information, gorgeous photographs. So delighted to have a copy on my bookshelf!