THE MAGNA CHARTA

by James Daugherty ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 26, 1956

With the revival of Shakespeare's King John, now rarely seen, interest in the man who gave the restive nobles the famous document is roused. In short opening chapters, the prelude to and aftermath of Britain's great democratizing gesture are briefly accounted for. Mr. Daugherty backgrounds his account with a look at 12th century feudal life, the hierarchy of serfdom and vassalage and then goes on to England's reigning house and the situation following the death of Henry II. Richard I had an uneasy reign, with the spectre of John behind the scenes. When John became king, there were many battles with France, there was juggling for power at home, there was discontent among clergy and nobility, who though far from ideal, presented for the times the most practical force to stem the tide of preemption of divine right of kings, envisioned in King John. With the Magna Charta won and signed, the book turns in final chapters to its significance and the subsequent steps which expanded the rights of man down to the United Nations Charter.

Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1956

ISBN: 0964380358

Page Count: -

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1956

Categories: NONFICTION