Behind the Charter: A Closer Look at Dan Jones' Magna Carta: Book Review
- provincialmills
- Aug 16
- 2 min read
Title: Magna Carta: The Birth of Liberty
Author: DAN JONES
Genre: History
Memorable Passages:
Two moments in this book really stood out to me. First, the political tug-of-war between King John and Pope Innocent III was fascinating. Ironically, the Archbishop that the Pope wanted, Langton, later declared the Magna Carta invalid, arguing that it overstepped the king’s authority. That twist alone made the whole episode unforgettable.
The second part that surprised me was what happened after the Magna Carta was signed. Once the civil war broke out, the pope didn’t just nullify the charter—he excommunicated most of the rebel barons and even the entire population of London for supporting it. I had no idea the fallout was that intense.
What is it about?
This book dives into the events and people behind the Magna Carta—not just King John, but also his predecessors like Henry II and Richard the Lionheart. Dan Jones gives context to why the barons pushed for a document to limit royal power, and he traces how the Magna Carta evolved through multiple revisions. It’s not just about one moment in time—it’s about how that moment echoed through history.
👍 What I Liked
I appreciated how focused the book was. It zeroes in on a specific timeframe and gives you a deep look at the people and politics that shaped the Magna Carta. You get real insight into the motivations behind the document, not just a surface-level summary.
👎 What I Didn't Like
When I picked this book up, I expected all 300+ pages to be about the events surrounding the Magna Carta. But only about half the book covers that narrative. The second half shifts to short profiles of key figures involved—more like a reference section than a continuation of the story. It’s still useful, but it changes the tone and pacing. If you’re expecting a full-length historical narrative, just know that the second half reads more like a biographical appendix.
Final Overall Rating
This is not simply an average of the previous 3 ratings, but its own rating about how all the separate pieces came together and if it is worth your time to read it!
Content: 🪶🪶🪶🪶🪶 (5/5 Quills)
Research: 🪶🪶🪶🪶✧ (4/5 Quills)
Writing Style: 🪶🪶🪶✧✧ (3/5 Quills
A respectable read. While it may not be groundbreaking, it’s competently researched and written, with enough engaging moments to satisfy the right audience.
🪶🪶🪶✧✧
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