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english_lady03's review
3.0
A good overview of the period and subject matter overall, that complement's Mr Jones other recent title 'Magna Carta'.
There is some important information about law and legal process, as well as the society and culture of the period, and of Key figures involved.
Whist the Bibliography demonstrated that the book is clearly well researched, with extensive consultation of primary source material, I did get the impression that there seemed to be some serious over-simplifications and generalizations about certain issues (such as the dietary habits of Medieval Englishmen and the status of women), which other works or sources have caused me to doubt.
I also got the distinct impression in some places, that, although published by the London-based Head of Zeus the book was aimed towards an American audience (with the explanations of geographical features in the UK, or explaining the locations of various towns, cities and building). Perhaps this was the reason for some of the generalizations about the period- or indeed, could this be simply be a republished and revised version of his US title 'Magna Carta: Birth of Liberty'? I have noticed some similarity in a few of the chapter headings, for example.
Perhaps the above stated about generalizations is an incorrect assumption, but even so, seeing this trend in books and documentaries made by Brits for general comsumption in the Americas annoys me.
Why should our American cousins have to have thier history 'watered down' so to speak? Its an insult to people who are quite capable of appreciating the naunces and complexity of the past.
In conclusion, I would certainly commend this as a good and useful book, as well as an interesting introduction to the social history of the period- but I would recommend further reading for those wanting to learn more. I'm sure Mr Jones would not object.....
There is some important information about law and legal process, as well as the society and culture of the period, and of Key figures involved.
Whist the Bibliography demonstrated that the book is clearly well researched, with extensive consultation of primary source material, I did get the impression that there seemed to be some serious over-simplifications and generalizations about certain issues (such as the dietary habits of Medieval Englishmen and the status of women), which other works or sources have caused me to doubt.
I also got the distinct impression in some places, that, although published by the London-based Head of Zeus the book was aimed towards an American audience (with the explanations of geographical features in the UK, or explaining the locations of various towns, cities and building). Perhaps this was the reason for some of the generalizations about the period- or indeed, could this be simply be a republished and revised version of his US title 'Magna Carta: Birth of Liberty'? I have noticed some similarity in a few of the chapter headings, for example.
Perhaps the above stated about generalizations is an incorrect assumption, but even so, seeing this trend in books and documentaries made by Brits for general comsumption in the Americas annoys me.
Why should our American cousins have to have thier history 'watered down' so to speak? Its an insult to people who are quite capable of appreciating the naunces and complexity of the past.
In conclusion, I would certainly commend this as a good and useful book, as well as an interesting introduction to the social history of the period- but I would recommend further reading for those wanting to learn more. I'm sure Mr Jones would not object.....
lucyatoz's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
5.0
1215 is well known in English history for the Magna Carta.
In this book, Dan Jones provides a broader overview of life in 1215, covering many aspects of social and Church history, from the Baron classes with their castles and expansive lands to the peasants working their smallholdings, barely surviving.
I appreciated the story being gloriously illustrated and having a transcript of the Magna Carta in the appendix.
In this book, Dan Jones provides a broader overview of life in 1215, covering many aspects of social and Church history, from the Baron classes with their castles and expansive lands to the peasants working their smallholdings, barely surviving.
I appreciated the story being gloriously illustrated and having a transcript of the Magna Carta in the appendix.
kerrireads379's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful, well written book that does an excellent job of providing an insight into a particularly interesting moment of history in an engaging way. I love that within chapters are short 'essays' providing broader insight into life at the time. This book is full of illustrations and pictures that bring it to life.
bannerheldhigh's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
An enjoyable look at life around the time of the signing of the Magna Carta
chris_tyson's review against another edition
4.0
This is a charming and easy to read history of the events leading up to, surrounding and following King John’s placing of his seal (not signing) on Magna Carta. I enjoyed it, and learnt things about a time I thought I knew more about actually.
l0rdtim865's review against another edition
5.0
An excellent book about the rule of King John. Packed with brilliant details and pictures that help to capture the readers imagination.
I absolutely recommend this book not only to fans of Dan Jones and King John, to anyone with even just a slight interest in English Medieval life.
I absolutely recommend this book not only to fans of Dan Jones and King John, to anyone with even just a slight interest in English Medieval life.