I was drawn in by the premise of a graphic novel adaptation of the Bayeux Tapestry. However, the execution did not end up working as well as I had anticipated. Just as one needs prior historic information to better understand and appreciate the tapestry, a sizable amount of background is necessary for this retelling of the Norman Conquest of England. Unfortunately there really isn't any context provided, and I ended up finding myself struggling at times to make sense of the plot. The reading experience felt akin to being taught to swim by getting dropped right into the deep end of a pool. I'm frankly having trouble seeing who this book could be for. As a means to learn about the events leading up to the momentous Battle of Hastings, it doesn't work very well. It is probably better enjoyed by those who possess enough background knowledge, but that's hardly a good-sized potential audience, to say the least.

"1066" is founded upon what I think is a genuinely interesting idea. Unfortunately, a solid translation of the Bayeux Tapestry from its original embroidered form into comic format is something much easier promised than actually done, and I feel like the latter simply wasn't pulled off very strongly here.

This is a decent little work on the Norman Conquest of England, detailing the political intrigue that provides the background for the conflict and culminating in the battle of Hastings.

An interesting technique is used to craft this work. Taking the view that the Bayeux Tapestry is the first "comic," the author and illustrator weaves the tapestry itself into the story, matching each event described with a corresponding scene from the tapestry. There is also a nice little section at the end about the tapestry's history, which I found interesting.

Unfortunately, the artwork is only okay. Some illustrations are interesting but others are muddled and unclear. One of the biggest problems is that Harold and William look almost exactly alike when wearing armor. Other characters are similarly difficult to differtiate. The dialogue itself is ok, but the story can sometimes be a bit hard to follow and confusing, especially when all of the characters look so similar.

Overall, this is a nice little overview of the Norman Conquest, with alright illustrations and dialogue.

I received a copy of this work from netgalley

History at it's visual best from past to present. A faithful comic adaptation of the Bayeux Tapestry. History retelling itself from ancient relics to modern graphic form.

Amid poor reviews I was a little dismayed that a familiar tale from history, "1066 and all that..." would be tainted by a substandard historical account and these tumultuous events would fade from my interest.
I need not have worried and previous reviewers must have read the piece incorrectly or failed to accept the premise under which it was written.
They say that 'history is always written and recorded by the victors'. Perhaps no more so than the Bayeux Tapestry; which isn't really a tapestry but is a 'faithful account' (perhaps) of the Norman Conquest.
This graphic novel pays homage to the fact that this account of the invasion by William the Conqueror is recorded by either his wife Matilda or commissioned by his half-brother Odo. The conclusions give some measure of the search for its authenticity.
That it plays on the fact that the original was an early example of telling a story through words and pictures, a comic strip. This re-telling of 1066 is said to be a faithful comic strip based on that original work we know as the Bayeux Tapestry.
I found the story both interesting, fascinating in terms of succession and sibling rivalries, and familiar in the early battle at Stamford Bridge.
The story suits a graphic novel wonderfully and I'm grateful for the opportunity to read it for myself and remember some of my earliest history lessons.

A great graphic novel with a historical fiction bend. Knights, loyalty, and love. Great artwork throughout as well.

"...the oldest comic strip in the history of mankind has taken the leap from embroidered cloth to printed page..."

"1066" is an interesting, visual addition to this particular period in history and a modern link to a unique historical document. Like all historical documents, the tapestry is open to interpretation, especially since it has no text to quantify the images In his introduction, the author does admit he has taken some liberties while producing his work, just as all good storytellers have done throughout the years. I did enjoy seeing characters I've read about as dry, historical figures come to life (which is one of many reasons I love graphic novels!).

I did have some continuity issues, especially at the beginning - a list of characters, even a short version, would have been helpful! The brief interview with the current (2011) curator of the tapestry was an interesting addition. I would, however, recommend reading this graphic novel in conjunction with another work on the era or the tapestry itself.

This book has it that the Bayeux Tapestry is ultimately impenetrable, with bits that are not understandable. So the creators here have replaced it with this – a book that is, er, ultimately impenetrable and not understandable. So you get waffle, flim-flam and no way in to the narrative, plus jump cuts to Halley's comet and the original, as if this mirrors the actual not-a-tapestry. I'll never know if it does or not, for this was awful. If like me you have an average knowledge of the history of the times, you'll know less after these pages.