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King John is a study of a king and his political misfortunes. It is also an examination of a fascinating era -- the early thirteenth century, a period of profound social and political change and unprecedented insecurity. W.L. Warren paints a picture of the king not only by assessing his achievements and failures but also by placing him in the context of the society in which he lived, the actions of his predecessors, and the problems posed by continuities independent of his making.
This account of John's reign is revealing and fair-minded, correcting distortions in the accounts of such chroniclers as Rogers of Wendover and Matthew Paris. Warren's analysis of the disputed succession, the conflict with France, the clash with Pope Innocent III, and the events leading to Magna Carta provide an intimate picture of the business of the Crown. Warren is unsparing in his criticism of the king's failings but acknowledges the more remarkable of John's personal qualities.
"An account of John's life and reign based on modern research and set forth in a manner that will appeal as much to the general reader as to the student". -- Daily Telegraph
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I suppose most of us have deeply engrained the picture of the "evil" Prince John trying to oust "the good and hero-like King Richard the Lionheart" as portrait in Robin Hood movies and books. How can one compete with such a personality? Just compare "The Lionherat" to "Lackland". Rightly Mr. Warren starts to explain how this reputation came about.
Somehow one longs for a bit for balanced approach. Indeed , is book provides excatly this, but without falling into the trap of completly whitewashing King Johan. Warren is not at all blind to his faults and spells them out. But he does not see just the negative sides of this King.
Here is a King of England who takes a keen interest in England and not just in his continental domains. He puts that into persepective with the rule of his brother Richard and his father Henry II. Much of the real essence of Richard's rule is covered up his hero-image and his military exploits.
John does not come across as a likeable person, but neither as the incapable ruler. It seems to me that John had to batter the demon of being the younger son, but in the end this younger son prevailed and continued the dynasty. WL Warren's book on King John is indeed a book that stood the test of times and is properly the best on King John.
Somehow one longs for a bit for balanced approach. Indeed , is book provides excatly this, but without falling into the trap of completly whitewashing King Johan. Warren is not at all blind to his faults and spells them out. But he does not see just the negative sides of this King.
Here is a King of England who takes a keen interest in England and not just in his continental domains. He puts that into persepective with the rule of his brother Richard and his father Henry II. Much of the real essence of Richard's rule is covered up his hero-image and his military exploits.
John does not come across as a likeable person, but neither as the incapable ruler. It seems to me that John had to batter the demon of being the younger son, but in the end this younger son prevailed and continued the dynasty. WL Warren's book on King John is indeed a book that stood the test of times and is properly the best on King John.
24 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is without doubt the definitive biography of King John! For too long dismissed as weak and cruel, this book shows him in a new and more favourable light. His skills in administering his realm, and his sporadic military genius all come together together to paint a picture of active and well informed King. The book is written well, and captures the King as if the author knew him himself. The series of the Yale English Monarchs books are clearly setting the standard for books on the Kings of England, and I hope that there are books in preparation for the remaining 'gaps' in the series. Very, Very Good!!
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is an excellent book. Written in the 1960s this biography has stood the test of time. It is well written, informative and an accessible guide to the reign of King John. Warren wrote this account to be useful for academics but also interesting for the general reader. Warren succeeded in his mission. The book in engaging and informative, relying on chroniclers more than previous biographies did, which presents a more interesting and personal view of John.
The book paints a portrait balanced between two extremes; the traditional "bad King John" approach; and an out and out defence his reign. Warren comes to the conclusion that John had "the intellectual capabalities of a great king but the inclinations of a petty tyrant." The case is argued well throughout the book. Despite its age this book is still the best biography of John around.
The book is at its best when describing the John's campaigns in Normandy. For guides to Magna Carta see J.C. Holt for detail and use this one for the general background.
(this review is largely based on the foreward in the front of the current edition written by David Carpenter)
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
I loved this book!
I loved this book! I'd previously read several biographies on William Marshal and it was the image of John in those books that made me want to know more... Read more
Published on 25 Mar 2010 by Cari Hislop
Interesting balanced appraisal
A readable and interesting biography of this most maligned of kings who has, to some extent at least, been unfairly judged due to an over-reliance on the word of one particular... Read more
Published on 31 July 2007 by John Hopper
Interesting balanced appraisal
A readable and interesting biography of this most maligned of kings who has, to some extent at least, been unfairly judged due to an over-reliance on the word of one particular... Read more
Published on 31 July 2007 by John Hopper
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