Alfred the Great: Asser's Life of King Alfred and Other Contemporary SourcesAsser'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 his kingdom, this life is among the earliest surviving royal biographies. It is an admiring account of King Alfred's life, written in absorbing detail - chronicling his battles against Viking invaders and his struggle to increase the strength and knowledge of his people, and to unite his people at a time of conflict, uncertainty and war. |
Contents
Asser and his Life of King Alfred | |
Genealogical Tables | |
THE ANGLOSAXON CHRONICLE 888900 | |
EXTRACTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF KING ALFRED | |
MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES FOR THE REIGN OF KING | |
The treaty between Alfred and Guthrum | |
Æthelweards account of the closing years of Alfreds | |
The Alfred Jewel | |
King Alfreds charter for Ealdorman Æethelhelm | |
The letter of Fulco archbishop of Rheims to King | |
Other editions - View all
Alfred the Great: Asser's Life of King Alfred and Other Contemporary Sources John Asser No preview available - 1983 |
Alfred the Great: Asser's Life of King Alfred and Other Contemporary Sources No preview available - 1984 |
Common terms and phrases
according Æthelred Æthelwulf Anglo-Saxon annals apparently arrived Asser authority battle belong bishop brother called century chapter Christian Chronicle church concerned continued copy Cotton dated DB fol death described desire died document ealdorman early East Edward England English evidence example fact force further gave give given hand held hides holy imply included King Alfred King Alfred’s king’s kingdom known land late later Latin laws learning Lord manuscript means mentioned Mercian mind ninth century North Newnton Northumbria Old English original passage perhaps possible present presumably probably reason received reference reign remained river royal seems shillings ships sources Stevenson suggests tenth things took translation turned various Viking army Welsh Wessex West Saxons winter wisdom wish writing written