Book description
Asser's Life of King Alfred, written in 893, is a revealing account of one of the greatest of medieval kings. Composed by a monk of St David's in Wales who became Bishop of Sherborne in Alfred's service and worked with him in his efforts to revive religion and learning in…
Why read it?
1 author picked Alfred the Great as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This book provides an accessible translation of one of the most important texts to have survived from the reign of King Alfred the Great.
Having acceded in 871, Alfred’s early reign was beset by Viking raids before a military victory in 878 afforded the king some respite in the 880s. But peace was shattered in the early 890s with the return of the Vikings from their raids on the continent. It was at this point, in 893, that Asser, a Welsh cleric in service at Alfred’s court, first published his account of Alfred’s life.
Asser takes us to the heart…
From David's list on The best books about early medieval Britain.
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