1215 and All That, Ed West
1215 and All That, Ed West
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1215 and All That
Magna Carta and King John

Author: Ed West

Narrator: Steven Crossley

Unabridged: 5 hr 48 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/24/2022


Synopsis

1215 is one of the most famous dates in English history, and with good reason, since it marks the signing of the Magna Carta by King John and the English barons, which altered the entire course of English and world history.John Lackland was born to King Henry II and Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitane in December, 1166; he was the youngest of five sons. However, he unexpectedly became the favored heir to his father after a failed rebellion by his older brothers in 1173. He became king in 1199, though his reign was tumultuous and short. After a brief peace with Phillip II of France, war broke out again in 1202 and King John lost most of his holdings on the continent. This, coupled with unpopular fiscal policies and treatment of nobles back home, led to conflict upon his return from battle. Buffeted from all sides, King John was pushed in 1215 to sign, along with his barons, the Magna Carta, a precursor to constitutional governance. But both sides failed to uphold the agreements terms and conflict quickly resumed, leading to John’s untimely death a year later to dysentery.Pitched at newcomers to the subject, 1215 and All That will explain how King John’s rule and, in particular, his signing of the Magna Carta changed England—and the English—forever, introducing listeners to the early days of medieval England. It is the third book in the acclaimed A Very, Very Short History of England series, which captures the major moments of English history with humor and bite.

About Ed West

Ed West is a full-time author. He blogs for the Spectator and has written for the Daily Telegraph, Times, Evening Standard, Daily Express, and Guardian. Ed is a former deputy editor of the Catholic Herald and a popular British Twitter personality. He currently lives in London.

About Steven Crossley

Steven Crossley is a multi-Earphones Award winner and twice-nominated Audie finalist who has narrated over two-hundred audiobooks. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and has established an acting career on both sides of the Atlantic in theatre, television, film, and radio drama. A member of the internationally acclaimed company Complicite, he has performed with distinguished companies in New York and London.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Anne on November 04, 2023

A funny look at how even the world's worst humans can be responsible for creating something great. Well, as long as other people decide they've had enough of their shit and blackmail them into signing a document. A document that didn't make any real difference to the barons that made John put his nam......more

Goodreads review by Melindam on January 24, 2024

I really enjoyed this whole series about English history in stand-up comedy style "for people in a hurry". This instalment is currently included in the Audible+ catalogue at audible.com and the narrator, Stephen Crossley is excellent in conveying the dry humour and irony that is Ed West's trademark.......more

Goodreads review by Jim on May 02, 2019

A comprehensive and darkly funny history of Magna Carta and alcoholic King John who made the charter happen.......more

Goodreads review by Noah on December 04, 2018

I enjoyed this history of England covering the reigns of Henry II, Richard I, John, and Henry III, focusing in particular on the Magna Carta and its impact on history. It's surprisingly amusing for a history book, which makes it highly readable, but at the same time it's clear that West sometimes pl......more

Goodreads review by ruth gaustad on August 24, 2015

Oh so cool!! No really, it is a perfect read for anyone looking for the right mix of humor and fact about the document which is one of the most important keystones of our democracy and judicial system. Well researched and just enough to make you want more.......more