King John

King John is a study not only of a king and his political misfortunes, but also of a period -- a period of profound changes in society at large, and hence one of unprecedented stresses. John's personality, so distorted by chroniclers such as Roger of Wendover and Matthew Paris, is investigated through his acts. But he is seen also against the background of his predecessors on the throne, of the society in which he lived, and of the problems that were posed for a ruler by that society. This account of John's reign is fascinating, revealing and extremely readable. Dr. Warren draws upon all the available sources to show how and why John was obliged to surrender Normandy to King Philip of France; how he then attempted in the face of great difficulties to gear the resources of England for a massive counterattack; how he infused new life into the government of the realm, organized a navy, and took a personal interest in bringing efficient justice to ordinary men; how he enforced order in the turbulent border lands of Scotland, Wales, and Ireland; but how, in his tempestuous and reckless determination to be master in his own house and to organzie the country for war, he antagonized the Church and many of the barons. - Jacket flap.