King John: An Underrated King

Description

Through contextual analysis and by reassessing the chronicle evidence, 'King John: An Underrated King' presents a compelling reevaluation of the reign of King John, England's most maligned sovereign. With its thought-provoking analysis of the key issues of John's reign, such as the loss of the French territories, British achievement, Magna Carta, relations with the church, and civil war, the volume presents an engaging argument for rehabilitating King John's reputation. Each chapter features both narrative and contextual analysis, and is prefaced by a timeline outlining the key events of the period. The volume also contains an array of maps and diagrams, as well as a collection of useful study questions.

Graham E. Seel studied history at the University of St Andrews, 1982-1986. From there he proceeded to Cambridge University where he undertook a PGCE, for which he was awarded a Distinction. He has published widely on English history, and he is currently Head of History at St Paul's School, London.

'"King John: An Underrated King" is, without a doubt, an excellent introduction to political, social and religious aspects of twelfth and thirteenth century England. The author draws a clear portrait of king John without losing his readers in a labyrinth of family dramas and shifting alliances." -Genevieve Pigeon, 'Hortulus: The Online Graduate Journal of Medieval Studies'