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IRONJAWS
BOOK REVIEW
est. 2014

REVIEW NO:
# 8

DATE: 23rd March 2015.

TITLE: 1215: The Year of Magna Carta by Danny Danziger & John
Gillingham.

PUBLICATION: London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2003. 336 pp.

ISBN: YES [ X] NO [ ] 0 340 82474 3 Borrowed: Royal Library
FIRST SENTENCE: This was a time when a labourer was paid a

penny day, and when an income of ten pounds a year was enough
for a country gentleman to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

REVIEW (max. 150 words):

To understand Magna Carta, the authors have decided to

explain the cultural, political, and economical landscape of
England during the years surrounding its creation in 1215.
Each chapter starts with a specifically chosen clause and then
proceeds to explain the context.
While the authors are applauded for presenting a clear,
readable and without doubt well-researched account, the
serious historian will be disappointed by the mere popular
history approach and the lack of footnotes, though there are
some surprises, for example, the Norman kings of England
typically spent most of their time traveling from place to
place and not ruling from one location, and that King John in
particular didnt speak English.
Nevertheless, I can see this as an excellent introduction for
students of history that dont want to be too overwhelmed.
First edition published by Hodder & Stoughton in 2003. The
text of Magna Carta is included in the end.

QUOTES:

Under the John F. Kennedy Memorial Act, one acre of land at

Runnymede, forming part of the Crown Estate, was transferred
to the people of the United States by way of a gift from the
Queen and her government. . .Once the visitor passes through
this gate, he or she sets foot on American soil.

RATING: Very Good. 3 stars.

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