Although King John is remembered for his political and military failures, he also resided over a magnificent court. Power and Pleasure reconstructs life at the court of King John and explores how his court produced both pleasure and soft power. Much work exists on courts of the late medieval and early modern periods, but the jump in record keeping under John allows a detailed reconstruction of court life for an earlier period. Power and Pleasure: Court Life under King John, 1199-1216 examines the many facets of John's court, exploring hunting, feasting, castles, landscapes, material luxury, chivalry, sexual coercion, and religious activities. It explains how John mishandled his use of soft power, just as he failed to exploit his financial and military advantages, and why he received so little political benefit from his magnificent court. John's court is viewed in comparison to other courts of the time, and in previous and subsequent centuries.

About the Author
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.

Reviews
The range of court activities analysed by Thomas is impressive...There is much here for the reader concerning the sensory pleasures and minutiae of daily life at court, ranging from culinary delights and spiced wines to hounds and falconry, and to robes, furs and jewels. * Daniel Power, The Journal of the Social History Society *
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. * Sean McGlynn, Strode College, University of Plymouth, Journal of British Studies *
As a splendid tour d'horizon,...it deserves to be read not only by anyone interested in the England of King John, but by those concerned more widely for the substance of medieval royal power. * Nicholas Vincent, Speculum 99/1 *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198802518
Author Hugh M. Thomas
Format Hardback
Page Count 284
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 596g
Dimensions(mm) 242mm * 162mm * 21mm