Treasures in Focus: Magna Carta
Treasures in Focus is a series of pocket guides to some of the British Library's greatest treasures.
Magna Carta, issued by King John in 1215 following his
meeting with the barons at Runnymede, is an iconic historical document. Only three of the original sixty-three clauses in Magna Carta are still legally valid, but one of these three has secured the charter?s
enduring international legacy.
In this pocket-sized introduction to Magna Carta, Claire Breay sets out the sources of the tension between King John and his barons. She explains the events of 1215, describes how Magna Carta was produced and distributed,
and looks at its long-term impact.
A full translation of the Latin text of Magna Carta is included, together with a removable, actual-size, colour facsimile of the original document.
