The Life of King Alfred

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.

Combining historical narrative with personal detail, the book gives insight into Alfred’s character, education, and military leadership. It presents him not only as a warrior king but also as a champion of learning and religious renewal, shaping ideas of good governance that echoed through later English literature and historiography.

Long valued as a cornerstone of Anglo-Saxon studies, this biography remains an essential primary source for medieval history. It 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. This edition is a 1906 translation by Albert S. Cook.