Magna Carta: The Birth of Liberty

Magna Carta: The Birth of Liberty by Dan Jones is a good read. The book is largely about the events before and after the signing of the Magna Carta. It is about two hundred pages plus appendixes (the original text, assigned enforcers bios, and a timeline; there are also maps and photos). 

The document was not a magical turning point when it was agreed to in 1215. It was also not totally out of the blue. The importance was the staying power of basic principles, including limited power and due process of law. 

Meanwhile, Dan Jones provides the history around it, including such things as a siege of a castle. A good snapshot of history book. The last twenty pages include a discussion of the aftermath of King John's death and the Magna Carta through the centuries. 

The text of the Magna Carta changed over time. Various clauses dealt with specific concerns of the day. An original security clause authorizing barons to rebel if the king did not follow it was removed when it was reissued after John's death. Still, the basic principle remained and helped to inspire the Declaration of Independence. 

BTW, Robin Hood was not originally a mythical character who lived in the days of John (in the 1190s, since King Richard was still alive). The details developed over time, including his noble status and the presence of Maid Marian.

King John, the Shakespeare play, also has no mention of the Magna Carta. This lesser known play (only published after his death) is also not very accurate history. Remember folks, historical fiction is not the same thing as history.

A B&W film that glorified Andrew Johnson shows this.