King John is one of those historical characters who needs little in the way of introduction. If readers are not already familiar with him as the tyrant whose misgovernment gave rise to Magna Carta, we remember him as the villain in the stories of Robin Hood. Formidable and cunning, but also cruel, lecherous, treacherous and untrusting. Twelve years into his reign, John was regarded as a powerful king within the British Isles.

Under attack 1203 -- The family empire 1120-1189 -- Refusing to rally 1204-1205 -- A pact from Hell 1189-1194 -- Stemming the tide 1205-1206 -- Our happy success 1194-1202 -- King versus Pope 1207-1208 -- A deed of shame 1202-1203 -- The enemy within? 1208-1210 -- Tyrannical will 1210-1212 -- The hermit's prophecy 1212-1213 -- Ready for battle 1213-1214 -- Runnymede 1214-1215 -- Fire and sword 1215-1216 -- Conclusion -- Magna Carta, 1215: a translation.