Magna Carta : through the ages /

Veteran scholar Turner (Florida State Univ.) surveys the status of this famous document from its own time until today. After briefly reviewing English history from 1066 to 1215, he describes the charter's creation in reaction to King John's financial exactions; its acceptance from 1225 to 1400, including its part in justifying the depositions of Edward II and Richard II; its neglect during the 15th and 16th centuries; its revival by the parliamentary opposition to the Stuarts in the 17th century; its use as an emblem of liberty by 18th-century radicals in England and the US; its repeal by 19th-century utilitarians; and its significance today as foreshadowing important principles, especially the right not to be deprived of liberty or property without due process of law. Turner also traces its historiography, noting how some 20th-century historians devalued the charter from a preference for royal administrative government over feudal rights. Turner's appeal to the Magna Carta against Bush is debatable, but this review of the history of the document is suitable for student use. An appendix gives the Magna Carta's text in modern English. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Most academic levels and collections. J. L. Leland California Baptist University