A Needle in the Right Hand of God

Professor Bloch talked about his book, A Needle in the Right Hand of God: The Norman Conquest of 1066 and the Making and Meaning of the Bayeux Tapestry, published by Random House. He said there are many unknown facts about the tapestry, such as who created it, when, and where. The 230-foot-long tapestry was probably created almost 1,000 years ago. He said it tells the story of events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and William the Conqueror’s defeat of the English in 1066. It was almost destroyed during the French Revolution and nearly fell into the hands of the Nazis during WWII. Using a digital version of the embroidered history, Professor Bloch guided the audience through the pictures of the tapestry while explaining symbols, scenes, and events. After his presentation he responded to audience members' questions. close