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Designed to Deceive

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Designed to Deceive

By: John Hallam Lott
Narrated by: John Hallam Lott
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About this listen

1077, Dover Castle.

More than a decade has passed since William, Duke of Normandy, defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings and was crowned king of England on Christmas Day 1066. Still faced with insurrection, both here in England and in his native Normandy, a perpetual threat to William’s authority was his half brother, Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, Earl of Kent, and serial plotter against his king.

Odo is about to commission a work of art depicting the events leading up to the conquest and the great battle itself. Cruel, rapacious, and ambitious, Odo intends this unique wall hanging to glorify not only his splendid new cathedral in Bayeux but also his own place in history. An undertaking of this magnitude will require a designer of extraordinary talent and expertise, and Odo believes that he has found such an artist - one capable of creating a work that will outlive time itself. His choice is, however, unexpected and unusual.

This is the story of that designer, the challenges faced, both artistic and authoritarian, and of all the other players, both exulted and humble, who go to make up this tapestry of intrigue, murder, politics, and art.

©2015 John Hallam Lott (P)2020 John Hallam Lott Fiction Historical Fiction Medieval Middle Ages Royalty

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All stars
Most relevant
I enjoyed the story and characters. easy to listen to.
really good narration. brilliant !

easy listening Norman adventure.

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Immerse yourself in the political and cultural life of 11th century England and Normandy. Full of intrigue, political power struggles and gruesome murders, the novel evokes life of the period in well crafted detail, much enhanced by the wonderful narration of the author. Generally I prefer an actor to narrate my audio books but occasionally, (and this is one of those) the author turns out to be an actor as well and John Lott's narration brings all the characters to life in a way that makes you believe in them utterly. Fiction it may be but it is extensively researched both in terms of the broader historical setting and the little that is known about the details behind the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry. The result is a book that is hugely enjoyable as well as educational. I totally agree with another reviewer that it should be on sale at the Bayeux Museum shop! Highly recommend.

Wonderful!

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