The endlessly fascinating details of John's court from Thomas's exhaustive research provide invaluable insights into the king's use of power, greatly clarifying the larger picture. This is an outstanding book.
Hugh M. Thomas specializes in the social and cultural history of England during the central Middle Ages. He has published four previous books and a number of articles. The recipient of several prestigious fellowships in the US and the UK, he has taught at the University of Miami since 1988.