JOHN, ACTS OF

an apocryphal (noncanonical and unauthentic) Christian writing, composed about AD 180, purporting to be an account of the travels and miracles of St. John the Evangelist. Photius, the 9th-century patriarch of Constantinople, identified the author of the Acts of John as Leucius Charinus, otherwise unknown. The book reflects the heretical views of early Christian Docetists, who denied the reality of Christ's physical body and attributed to it only the appearance of materiality. The Acts of John likewise has a hymn containing formulas to evade demons who, according to Gnostic teachings, could impede one's journey to heaven. The book was condemned by the second Council of Nicaea, in AD 787, because of its subversion of orthodox Christian teachings. Additional reading J. D'Avout, La Querelle des Armagnacs et des Bourguignons (1943), a detailed study of French internal affairs in John the Fearless' time; J. Calmette, Les Grands Ducs de Bourgogne (1956; The Golden Age of Burgundy: The Magnificent Dukes and Their Courts, 1962), the best general survey of the Valois dukes of Burgundy; R. Vaughan, John the Fearless: The Growth of Burgundian Power (1966), deals with the history of the Burgundian state under Duke John and lists relevant literature. Additional reading Kate Norgate, John Lackland (1902, reprinted 1970), the most exhaustive scholarly biography, is still valuable. W.L. Warren, King John, 2nd ed. (1978), is a lively, modern account. J.C. Holt, King John (1963), discusses both the medieval and modern assessment of the King. For accounts of the reign, see Sidney Painter, The Reign of King John (1949), which is thorough and extensive; J.C. Holt, The Northerners (1961), a study of the baronial opposition, and Magna Carta (1965), for the origins and course of John's quarrel with the barons. D.M. Stenton, English Justice Between the Norman Conquest and the Great Charter, 10661215 (1964), has an important essay on King John and the courts of justice. R.E. Turner, The King and His Courts: The Role of John and Henry III in the Administration of Justice, 11991240 (1968), a general survey of the King's legal powers and functions, is also valuable. F.M. Powicke, The Loss of Normandy, 11891204, 2nd ed. (1961), a definitive study of John's defeat on the Continent, is also useful on financial and military administration.