Historical Fiction

Comprehensive. Went into the background of English history, Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and their offspring and how the court machinations led to the grievances of the people against King John and his moving court.

This is a fine snapshot of the social, political and personal history of Britain in and around the year 1215, the year the Magna Carta was signed.

While the lords and the King were wrestling for control of Britain, for the people on the streets and country lanes, life was a constant struggle. Obviously “1215” skews towards the royalty and the aristocracy due to the information available from chroniclers of these times but if “1215” does nothing else, it reminds of us of the importance of that document signed at Runnymede over 800 years ago. ( )

The Magna Carta is a wonder of modern governing, all the more fascinating because it initially was a failure.

"1215: The Year of Magna Carta" digs into the world that produced the document, and explores the myth and reality of the historic document.

Danziger's book goes section by section to look at property, religion, and even sex and romance, all of which was impacted by the Magna Carta.

Worth reading.

More reviews at my WordPress site, Ralphsbooks. ( )

Generally, a great introduction to the social context and the 'world' of the Magna Carta, everything from Political Culture, to Law and Order, rural and social life.
An era that saw the birth of the English Legal system, and the establishment of Europe's Great Universities and centres of learning- of which one was said to have been home to the legendary female physician, Trotula.

Only the chapter on the 'Wider World'-which inevitably includes the Crusades did I have some argument with. Saladin was not always the honourable man he is often hailed as in the West- and as the book often presents him to be. No mention seemed to be made of his duplicity, especially in the matter of the siege of Acre.
Also, there is evidence of trade with far flung regions such as the Middle East and even India long before the eleventh century- Byzantine Coins have been found in England dating from the Seventh century, as well as Lapis Lazuli stones which hail from Afghanistan.

Overall though, a useful and interesting book, which seems to make good use of contemporary sources, and co-authored by a renowned historian, ( )