Magna Carta and Medieval Government (Etudes Presentees a LA Commission Internationale Pour L'Histoire Des Assemblees D'Etats, 68.)

Magna Carta and Medieval Government brings together Professor Holt's writings on the period, many of which are at present not easily accessible. Eight of the pieces are on Magna Carta itself, but seldom repeat the findings of Professor Holt's classic Magna Carta. As well as giving a succinct account of the making of Magna Carta, the author approaches his subject from a variety of different angles, and examines in detail a number of versions and copies of the Charter to shed light on its local reception and importance, and on how it was interpreted in different places.Two pieces deal with King John: there is a survey of his reputation and character and the reasons for his failure; and a definitive account of his celebrated 'Disaster in the Wash'. Magna Carta and Medieval Government also includes a highly illuminating discussion of the social and political tensions that strained the Anglo-Norman Empire and brought about the loss of Normandy.