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King John: Two Time Loser
King John is the only English king known as ‘the Bad.’ However, was he really any worse than the other medieval kings? King Loser, traces this king’s life and troubled reign from his childhood in France to his death nearly fifty years later in 1216.
As the fourth and youngest son of King Henry II, John is not expected to become king. He is contemptuously nicknamed ‘Lackland’ and is not trained for the monarchy. However, despite all odds, after big brother Richard dies in battle, John becomes King. Now he has to prove himself by being strong and standing up to his French overlord, Louis VII. Unfortunately he fails and also loses much of his French territory. In addition, John is accused of womanizing and of murdering his young nephew, Arthur - a potential rival to the throne. At home, John becomes embroiled in a nasty power-struggle with Pope Innocent III which causes England to be excommunicated.
Following these failures, the barons revolt and John is forced to agree to their demands spelled out in Magna Carta. Civil War then breaks out and John dies alone and unlamented knowing that he has lost both his English and French kingdoms.
As the fourth and youngest son of King Henry II, John is not expected to become king. He is contemptuously nicknamed ‘Lackland’ and is not trained for the monarchy. However, despite all odds, after big brother Richard dies in battle, John becomes King. Now he has to prove himself by being strong and standing up to his French overlord, Louis VII. Unfortunately he fails and also loses much of his French territory. In addition, John is accused of womanizing and of murdering his young nephew, Arthur - a potential rival to the throne. At home, John becomes embroiled in a nasty power-struggle with Pope Innocent III which causes England to be excommunicated.
Following these failures, the barons revolt and John is forced to agree to their demands spelled out in Magna Carta. Civil War then breaks out and John dies alone and unlamented knowing that he has lost both his English and French kingdoms.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2017
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December 18, 2020
Bad King John?
I have been fascinated by King John for quite some time now and looked forward to reading this book. It's not very long but does touch on the key events of his life. Almost like a cliff notes version. Very readable fast paced. I am a fan of this author.
I have been fascinated by King John for quite some time now and looked forward to reading this book. It's not very long but does touch on the key events of his life. Almost like a cliff notes version. Very readable fast paced. I am a fan of this author.
Displaying 1 of 1 review