The Oak King, the Holly King and the Unicorn: The Myths and Symbolism of the Unicorn Tapestries

by John Williamson

Examines the unicorn tapestries displayed at the Cloisters in New York City

Genres: Art, History, Nonfiction, Mythology, Religion

260 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

John Williamson, Music, Memoir
John Williamson, d. 1840

Reviews

[Skye Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Modern man, who has abandoned all allegory and invented his own private symbols, might not easily understand an imaginative mind of... centuries ago unless he knows its traditional symbolism. In order to grasp the symbolic nature of the Unicorn tapestries, we must turn to both ancient and medieval writings, the scriptures and the classics, which provide a basis for the rediscovery of doctrines and icons that we have lost.”

This was fascinating. Symbolism is my favorite subject, so I really loved learning about all of the iconography within the unicorn tapestries and the meaning behind it all. I loved learning more about the medieval mind, and I just loved that they thought and felt in symbols. Life seemed to be so rich and full of meaning. Their art, their festivals, and traditions were all seeped with deep meaning and allegory and it is such a refreshing thing to study and learn from.

All of the quotes, scriptures, poetry, and writings that were quoted in this work were really beautiful and I can’t wait to delve deeper into them as I continue to study.

The unicorn tapestries are stunning. I’d love to see them in person someday. But I’m really grateful I was able to read this profoundly interesting book on the subject and to broaden my perspective on these beautiful works of art.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The flora and to a lesser extent fauna depicted in the Unicorn Tapestries are all symbolic. This book uses evidence from other medieval texts, including other tapestries, to reveal the symbolism of dozens of species of flowers, trees, herbs, and animals to the Medieval mind. All this symbolism reveals that the unicorn is both a symbol of Christ and a much older European myth of the Holly King (like the Green Knight). Not all the author's arguments are equally compelling, but on the whole I learned a great deal about what many of the plants in the tapestries symbolize.

[David Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most fascinating extrapolations of religious symbolism I've ever read. Incredible.

[threnoidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read.
First thing I've picked up for research purposes and have truly become invested in--outside of the academic project it aided me in...
Is this magic's doing or maturity emerging?

[Lisa Lanyon-bunch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, enjoyed the metaphors and symbolism of the animals and the flora present in the tapestries. A little dense in the writing. Overall good.