Life of Alfred the Great
by Asser
'Life of Alfred the Great ' Summary
Introduction:
The book "Life of Alfred the Great" by Asser provides a historical account of the life and accomplishments of King Alfred, who ruled the Kingdom of Wessex in the 9th century. Asser, a Welsh monk and scholar, served as Alfred's biographer and provides valuable insights into the king's character and achievements.
Alfred's Early Life and Pursuit of Learning:
Asser's account begins by outlining Alfred's ancestry and early life, highlighting his education and interest in learning. It emphasizes Alfred's commitment to scholarship and his efforts to revive learning and culture in England during a time of Viking invasions and turmoil.
Alfred's Military Campaigns and Strategic Brilliance:
Asser describes Alfred's military campaigns against the Vikings, emphasizing his strategic brilliance and determination to defend his kingdom. The book portrays Alfred as a skilled leader who successfully combated Viking invasions, safeguarding Wessex and its people.
Government Reforms and Legal Code:
The book highlights Alfred's efforts to reform and strengthen his government, including the establishment of a legal code and the promotion of justice. Asser underscores Alfred's commitment to maintaining order and fairness within his kingdom.
Alfred's Commitment to Education and Scholarly Pursuits:
One of the significant contributions of Alfred was his focus on education. The book discusses his personal involvement in promoting learning and his patronage of scholars. Alfred's translation of important Latin texts into English is also emphasized, as it played a crucial role in preserving knowledge and making it accessible to the English-speaking population.
Alfred's Faith and Moral Character:
Asser paints a picture of Alfred as a pious and devout Christian, illustrating his religious beliefs and his desire to rule with justice and righteousness. The book portrays Alfred as a man of moral character, whose faith guided his actions and decisions.
Personal Struggles and Challenges:
The book also mentions Alfred's personal struggles, including his bouts of illness and the challenges he faced in maintaining peace and stability in his kingdom. Asser humanizes Alfred by highlighting the difficulties he encountered and his unwavering commitment to his people's well-being.
Conclusion:
In "Life of Alfred the Great," Asser provides an insightful account of King Alfred's life and achievements. Through his scholarship, military prowess, government reforms, and dedication to education, Alfred left an indelible mark on English history. Asser's work serves as a testament to Alfred's enduring legacy as a wise and just ruler, whose contributions to learning and governance continue to inspire generations.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
WelshPublished In
1904Genre/Category
Tags/Keywords
Author
Asser
United Kingdom
Asser was a Welsh monk from St David's, Dyfed, who became Bishop of Sherborne in the 890s. About 885 he was asked by Alfred the Great to leave St...
More on AsserDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times vol 2 by Francois Guizot
François Pierre Guillaume Guizot was a French historian, orator, and statesman. Guizot was a dominant figure in French politics prior to the Revolutio...
The Gamekeeper at Home by Richard Jefferies
Richard Jefferies (1848 – 1887) was born and spent his childhood on a farm at Coate,Wiltshire. He joined the ‘Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Standard’...
The Homilies of the Anglo-Saxon Church by Ælfric of Eynsham
It is an engaging and enlightening book suitable for young readers. This collection of homilies, written by Ælfric during the late 10th and early 11th...
The Travels of Sir John Mandeville by Sir John Mandeville
It is an exciting and captivating book that takes readers on a thrilling journey through distant lands and incredible adventures. Believed to have bee...
Lucretia Borgia by Ferdinand Gregorovius
According to Original Documents and Correspondence of Her Day. Lucretia Borgia is the most unfortunate woman in modern history. Is this because she wa...
The Carpenter's World Travels: Holy Land and Syria by Frank G. Carpenter
In "The Carpenter's World Travels: Holy Land and Syria" by Frank G. Carpenter, embark on a mesmerizing journey through the heart of history and cultur...
Is Mars Habitable? by Alfred Russel Wallace
In 1907 Wallace wrote the short book Is Mars Habitable? to criticize the claims made by Percival Lowell that there were Martian canals built by intell...
The Wonders of the Invisible World, and A Farther Account of the Tryals of the New England Witches by Cotton Mather
In a world shrouded in superstition and fear, Cotton Mather's "The Wonders of the Invisible World" and "A Farther Account of the Tryals of the New Eng...
Commentaries on the Laws of England. Book 3: Of Private Wrongs by William Blackstone
Discover the timeless wisdom of English law with "Commentaries on the Laws of England. Book 3: Of Private Wrongs" by Sir William Blackstone. This comp...
The Saga of the Greenlanders by Anonymous
Step into the untamed wilderness of Greenland, where Norse explorers dared to venture into the unknown, encountering new lands, strange inhabitants, a...
Reviews for Life of Alfred the Great
No reviews posted or approved, yet...