The History of the Magna Carta: A Brief History with the Original Magna Carta (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781477414293)

The simplest definition of the Magna Carta is that it was a charter signed between King John of England and his barons, granting them certain liberties and political rights. But the document is far more than that-it became one of the most important cornerstones of Western civilization.

First issued in 1215, the Magna Carta (Latin for "Great Charter") set limits on royal authority and established principles that would echo through centuries of political thought. What began as a practical peace agreement between a king and his nobles soon evolved into a powerful symbol of liberty, justice, and the rule of law. Its influence reached far beyond England, shaping legal traditions and inspiring democratic movements around the world-from the English Parliament to the United States Constitution.

This concise book explores the roots, impact, and legacy of the Magna Carta, tracing how a medieval document grew into an enduring ideal of freedom and government accountability. The full text of the original Magna Carta is also included, allowing readers to see firsthand the words that helped shape modern democracy.