Alfred the Great

This insightful biography explores the life and achievements of Alfred the Great, revealing his impact on Anglo-Saxon England and the formation of the kingdom.

During his reign from 871 to 899, King Alfred transformed the governance of Wessex, paving the way for the eventual establishment of the kingdom of England. The book Alfred the Great provides a thorough analysis of Alfred's monumental achievements, shedding light on the essence of Anglo-Saxon kingship and its significance during this pivotal era. It highlights how Alfred's leadership style and policies were instrumental in shaping the future of England.

This biography of Alfred the Great intricately weaves a sensitive examination of primary sources with an insightful evaluation of contemporary scholarly research on ninth-century England's history and archaeology. Through this lens, Alfred is portrayed not only as a formidable warlord and an innovative ruler but also as a devoted scholar. His deep-seated piety and intellectual curiosity spurred him to foster a cultural and spiritual renaissance that resonated throughout his realm.

In Alfred the Great, the narrative strips away the embellishments of later interpretations to reveal the historical figure in his true complexity—pragmatic, generous, brutal, pious, and scholarly. The book captures Alfred's victories on the battlefield and his sweeping administrative reforms that not only safeguarded Wessex from Viking invasions but also initiated the political consolidation that would ultimately lead to the formation of England as we know it today.