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The Lady and the Unicorn
The Lady and the Unicorn
Author: Tracy Chevalier
Bewitching art experts and enthusiasts alike for centuries, the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries hang today in the Cluny Museum in Paris. In each, an elegant lady and a unicorn stand or sit on an island of grass surrounded by a rich background of animals and flowers. Little is known about them except that they were woven toward the end of the...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780525947677
ISBN-10: 0525947671
Publication Date: 12/29/2003
Pages: 256
Rating:
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 211

3.7 stars, based on 211 ratings
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on + 41 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
I too thought this was a fast historical fiction read, but I also found it to be a bit sneaky. I did not guess at the surprise that awaits, but did guess at another part of the ending. It's also interesting to read about the life of a family of weavers... you just see these tapestries in museums now, but to read a possible way that they lived and the daily struggles they endured to complete these works... it gives a whole new layer to the works of art to me.
reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on + 68 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
an interesting novel of history and imagination involving the family jean le viste of paris 1490 and a famous art world's masterpiece, the lady and the unicorn tapestry. tracy chevalier weaves a good novel of the lives, loves and work of the residents of 1430 paris. as well as the history of the creation of work of art tapestry.
Delos avatar reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on
Helpful Score: 7
I didn't like it as much as Girl with a Pearl Earring, but most people have preferred it the other way around. It was interesting to me to learn about how the weaving was done, but wasn't as attached to the main characters, maybe from the shifting POV. It was interesting though, how the characters weren't all 'good' and wholesome, kept it interesting to see them (and their flaws) develop over time. I found it a pretty quick read.
reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on + 87 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I really enjoyed this novel. I read it after Girl with A Pearl Earring and I liked both novels. I found this one to be somewhat lighthearted and did explain some of the technicalities of taspersty weaving. I thought the characters to be well developed and interesting. If you enjoy historical fiction this one is worth reading.
reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I love Tracy Chevalier and this is a good one. Fast paced, almost two stories in one. Based on a famous tapestry, this story takes you through Europe with a philandering artisan. Touching story of the life of a blind weaver. Full of descriptions that bring the book to life.
Read All 76 Book Reviews of "The Lady and the Unicorn"

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reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on + 81 more book reviews
Fascinating! Tracy Chevalier brings history to life! I look forward to reading more of her works.
reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on + 8 more book reviews
Good story, a lot of detail about a time long ago. Interesting to read about the weaving of tapestries.
reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on + 8 more book reviews
Novel that follows the creation of a great tapestry in 15th century Europe
MKSbooklady avatar reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on + 989 more book reviews
A fictionalized story of the Lady and the Unicorn tapestry. Our 'hero' is not someone you would want your daughter to meet, I'll leave it at that. Otherwise a good look at life in the 1490's of France, and Brussels. Art historians should enjoy this especially.
MOMSBOOKS avatar reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on + 64 more book reviews
This book,like,"Girl With a Pearl Earring" has a similar fairy-tale quality. If the story says it is so, you must believe it is.The difference between this and a real fairy tale is that a real fairy tale is not rife with bawdy sex while Ms Chevalier's books are.
The book traces the production of a well known art piece and inserts characters and events of the true era, putting it all together as it may have happened.
If the review were condensed to a one word synopsis, it would be "Charming." I would recommend it to anyone mature enough not to be swayed by the sexual bawdiness so as to be confused about the role sex plays in history. It is written for females, but the sexual references make it sound as though it were written and thought out by a male...either that or I should go back and research the role of sexuality in past historical events.
reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on
I loved this book! The author draws yo into her books and makes you want to know more about the characters.
reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on
This book captures the feel of 15th century France and draws the reader into the world of art as it was practiced then, via nobles commissioning works less because of appreciation and more for the boost in status. It tells the story of a famous series of tapestries from their commission, design and execution by a weaver and his family in Belgium. Complete details of their provenance have not survived to our day but Tracy Chevalier imagines quite believably how these magnificent tapestries may have come to be.
reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on + 17 more book reviews
A little slow at the begining, but I really enjoyed it once I got into it.
tracey13 avatar reviewed The Lady and the Unicorn on + 310 more book reviews
Strong historical story. Each chapter in the "voice" of a different character. Interesting to learn about how paintings became tapestries, the rules governing weaving, and the symbols used. Also good social and family sub-plots.

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