The Life of King Alfred by Asser

Description

The Life of King Alfred is a book by Asser, first published in the late 9th century. Written by a Welsh monk who spent time at Alfred’s court, it offers one of the earliest biographical accounts of an English ruler. The work provides a vivid picture of a turbulent era marked by Viking invasions, political reform, and the consolidation of early English identity. It combines historical narrative with personal detail, giving insight into Alfred’s character, education, and military leadership. Beyond its value as a medieval chronicle, the book has long been a cornerstone for anyone interested in Anglo-Saxon history, early medieval Britain, and the origins of English kingship. It paints Alfred not only as a warrior king but as a champion of learning and religious renewal, shaping ideas of good governance that echoed through later English literature and historiography. Readers drawn to classic historical texts, Viking-age Britain, or the foundations of English culture will find it particularly significant. This biography also stands out as an early example of political writing, crafted to strengthen Alfred’s legacy and assert the stability of the West Saxon kingdom. Today, it remains an essential primary source for medieval studies, valued both for its storytelling and for the window it opens onto a formative chapter of English history. This is a 1906 translation by Albert S. Cook.

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