In 1215, the Barons of England forced King John to sign a revolutionary document which would change the political landscape of Britain and beyond for the next 800 years. Magna Carta was the forerunner of the Constitution that limited the powers of the crown and its echoes can be found in the seventeenth century Civil Wars, the struggles for American Independence, the work of Thomas Paine and in the bedrock of all contemporary liberal nations. As civil liberties and the rule of law are increasingly under question as part of the ‘War on Terror’, it has never been more essential to return to the original document, signed at Runnymede in June 1215. Leading medieval historian Geoffrey Hindley retells the story of events leading up to the conference and looks at the document itself, showing how it has resonated over centuries and throughout the world.
A Brief History of the Magna Carta
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Product Description
Book Description
The story behind the foundations of the English Constitution and why its influence can still be felt today around the world
About the Author
Geoffrey Hindley is a distinguished medieval historian. He is the author of A Brief History of The Crusades, and A Brief History of the Anglo Saxons as well as the biographer of Saladin.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. Ross Maynard
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
In his accessible and highly readable style, Geoffrey Hindley provides a fascinating insight into the nascence of Magna Carta - the complex geopolitics of Europe; the religious dimension; the tensions in the kingdom - it is all thoroughly covered along with an excellent explanation of what the Charter itself is actually about, and how it became a beacon of freedom and democracy for so many. Fabulous.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By A. Anderson
Format:Paperback
There is a good deal of detail in this book, although it is sometimes difficult to understand its relevance to the actual narrative. That apart, I found myself questioning the qualifications of the writer as much of the text is peppered with value judgements and side-swipes at politicians, Europe and tired talk of "abandoning our sovereignty" which more properly belong in an opinion piece, not in a supposedly academic work
By Neil Lennon
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was very dissapointed by this book, not because it lacked detail but just because it was so dull. This is a fascinating period of history, full of wars and intrigue and larger than life characters. But somehow the author has managed to make it sound so boring.
Rather than bringing to life the events leading up to Magna Carta he concentrates on a very dry discussion of medieval law and how different aspects apply to Magna Carta. I started off interested but found my eyes getting heavy towards the end of each page. It made me think about the importance of presenting history in an interesting manner, this sort of thing could put school children off for life!
The Brief History series does seem to vary considerably in quality. This seems to be one of the weaker efforts. All the information is there, the author just isn't a very good writer.
Rather than bringing to life the events leading up to Magna Carta he concentrates on a very dry discussion of medieval law and how different aspects apply to Magna Carta. I started off interested but found my eyes getting heavy towards the end of each page. It made me think about the importance of presenting history in an interesting manner, this sort of thing could put school children off for life!
The Brief History series does seem to vary considerably in quality. This seems to be one of the weaker efforts. All the information is there, the author just isn't a very good writer.
By Paul Marks
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you want a book on the history of Magna Carta and why it still matters now, this is the work.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Jenny
Format:Paperback
A well written account of the origins and history of Magna Carta.
But in my view three stars, because I found the constant negative comments about the British attachment to freedom (lack of), from a foreigner, very trying.
Quite good value for money, if you can stomach the criticism.
But in my view three stars, because I found the constant negative comments about the British attachment to freedom (lack of), from a foreigner, very trying.
Quite good value for money, if you can stomach the criticism.
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