The Life of King Alfred

What It's About

Written in 893 by a member of Alfred's own court, this is a contemporary biography of Alfred the Great, king of Wessex. It follows Alfred from his birth through his accession in 871 and into his reign, covering his wars against the Vikings in close detail — but it breaks off abruptly in 887, twelve years before Alfred's death, rather than covering his full life. For historical events the author draws heavily on the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, blending that chronicle material with his own first-hand recollections of Alfred's character and court.

Key Concepts

What makes this account distinctive is its eyewitness perspective: the author lived and worked alongside Alfred, and includes personal anecdotes not found in any other source, including details of Alfred's efforts to revive learning in his kingdom. The original manuscript survived in only one copy, which was destroyed in a fire in 1731 — the text as we have it today has been reconstructed from earlier transcriptions and quotations by other writers. It's also worth noting that some modern historians have questioned aspects of the work's authenticity and dating, though it remains the single most detailed source available for Alfred's life.

About the Author

Asser was a Welsh monk from St David's in Dyfed who was drawn into Alfred's court around 885 to help the king pursue his interest in learning. He divided his time between the royal court and his religious duties in Wales, and eventually became Bishop of Sherborne, a position he held until his death.

About This Edition

This is a 1906 translation by Albert S. Cook.