1215 is one of the most famous dates in English history, and with good reason, since it marks the signing of the Magna Carta by King John and the English barons, which altered the entire course of English and world history.John Lackland was born to King Henry II and Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitane in December, 1166; he was the youngest of five sons. However, he unexpectedly became the favored heir … favored heir to his father after a failed rebellion by his older brothers in 1173. He became king in 1199, though his reign was tumultuous and short. After a brief peace with Phillip II of France, war broke out again in 1202 and King John lost most of his holdings on the continent. This, coupled with unpopular fiscal policies and treatment of nobles back home, led to conflict upon his return from battle. Buffeted from all sides, King John was pushed in 1215 to sign along with his barons the Magna Carta, a precursor to constitutional governance. But both sides failed to uphold the agreements terms and conflict quickly resumed, leading to John’s untimely death a year later to dysentery.
Pitched at newcomers to the subject, 1215 and All That will explain how King John’s rule and, in particular, his signing of the Magna Carta changed England—and the English—forever, introducing readers to the early days of medieval England. It is the third book in the acclaimed A Very, Very Short History of England series, which captures the major moments of English history with humor and bite.
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The author treats this dark time with dark humor which I liked. We tend to forget that many of “the Greats” of history were in reality pretty nasty by our behavior standards. The author’s tempering the truth with some humor is refreshing.
As an amateur historian, I enjoyed the book. While not pure history as in a text book, the factual information is presented in a form that’s very approachable for a non-history buff interested in learning more bout this period of Medieval English history.
The whole series of these English History books by Ed West are highly recommended for anyone interested in British History. The history itself is near academic-level yet he writes with such ease and humor that they are as interesting and easy to read as novels.
I learned more about Magna Carta from this book than all other sources combined, and in an easily readable way.
Important information and a compelling presentation. Good read for anyone interested in the origins of our democracy.
The author has certainly done amaxing, in-depth research. Couple that with his quirky sense of humor, and This book is a must-read for aficionados of the era.
Very interesting, if slightly snarky, history of the Plantagenets, especially King John, and the Magna Carta. Fairly in-depth explanation of Magna Carta, as well as how it has affected laws and government throughout history.
Learned some new things.
With so many villains around it’s amazing any good prevailed. Thank heavens we are no longer ruled by hereditary kings and their cronies!
The scary lack of control on the King of England. The benefits of the Magna Carta on controlling the King . The beginning of Parliament in England.
Better than Saxons v Vikings, but again confusing sequence of events and their relevance.
Besides the detailed information about the period, I enjoyed the witty way the author handled the story lines.
Interesting history behind one of the most important legal documents ever.
See my review at Good Reads.
A tad confusing – as is to be expected when dealing with all the kings, their brothers who would be king or bishop or archbishop, their bastards, and their mistresses,
History recored as irreverently as possible and yet maintains an easy to follow cast of characters throughout English history of the Norman Conquest until the Magna Carta. With most of the Kings and Queens maintaining the same or similar names it becomes frightfully difficult to know who’s who. This wonderful author tries to sort it all out for us Dummies (me) trying to once again make sense of History 101.
It was a good read, but sort of just ended without wrapping things up.
Well done – though the writer sometimes doesn’t let the facts get in the way of a humourous touch. Worth it, though. Read it in bed and couldn’t help laughing out loud at times. Not good for our marriage, but surely put me in a good mood.
History with humor. Making the past palatable. As long as you don’t mind all the blood and gore.
A must-read for anyone who values our laws and freedoms.