What made King John a villain? As we approached our cover feature this issue, we wanted to examine this infamous English king with this key question in mind. The list of trespasses against his name is long, but when it comes down to it, it would seem to me that going back on his word is what really cemented his reputation. He betrayed public trust, even if in those days the ‘public’ only meant a few powerful landowners.
Like so many rulers of this era, he very likely didn’t see it that way. He had a divine right to rule and saying differently was an affront to God. Reneging on his deal with the barons of England, sealing and then refuting the Magna Carta, was a lesser offence than diluting the power of his throne, at least according to his world view. If he had held firm to his beliefs from the start, would he have been more or less hated later? We’ll never know the answer to that question, but it’s an intriguing one to ponder.
All that being said, we are delighted to have Dr Nick Barratt join us to tackle the subject of King John this issue, as well as Prof. Patricia Schechter who offers her insight into the life of journalist and activist Ida B Wells, and historian Mathew Lyons who takes a look at the history of the hunt for El Dorado, the legendary lost city of gold. I hope you enjoy their features and the rest of the issue.
Jonathan Gordon
Editor

Download from:

NitroFlare

• All About Space – Issue 127, 2022
• Adobe Elements, tricks and tips – 9th Edition 2022