Chevalier sets her sights on the poet, mystic, and engraver William Blake in London during the year 1792. Blake is an odd duck. The story is told from the viewpoints of some neighbors, in particular, two families, one recently moved from the country (the INNOCENT) and a streetwise and hardened family (the EXPERIENCED). Thus we have the metaphor for Blake's great work SONGS OF INNOCENCE AND EXPERIENCE. The French Revolution was underway and King George was terrified that his subjects would rebel against him. Mobs circulated collecting signatures on loyalty oaths. This excessive and intimidating barrage of bogus patriotism is eerily reminiscent of some of the things we saw in this country after 9/11. Do you remember all the cars with flags? It's a lovely story and she tells it well. Is i

The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries are a set of six medieval tapestries. Beautiful‚ intricate and expertly made‚ they are also mysterious in their origin and meaning. Tapestries give an appearance of order and continuity‚ as if designed and made by one person‚ belying the complicated process required to create them. Weavers‚ patrons‚ designers‚ artists‚ merchants and apprentices were involved in their making‚ and behind them were the wives‚ daughters and servants who exercised influences over their men. Like the many strands of wool and silk woven together into one cloth‚ so these people came together in a complex dance to create the whole picture. Jean le Viste‚ a newly wealthy member of the French court‚ commissions the tapestries to hang in his chateau. Ni