Here is the first serious reassessment of John's reign (1199-1216) which was a turning point in the development of England, with the loss of Normandy, baronial rebellion, and the granting of Magna Carta. It sets John in his full contemporary context, as both man and monarch, stressing throughout the importance of his vast French territories. Turner's rounded portrait of a fascinating but flawed personality will richly reward scholars, students and armchair medievalists alike.