An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

251. Alfred the Great: Return of the King (Part 2)

November 10, 2022

Description

Battling with the expanding power of the Vikings, listen to Tom and Dominic discover how King Alfred the Great earned his name in the second instalment of our two part series on England's Founding...
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Books Referenced

Ecclesiastical History of the English People

Author: Bede

Context:

Mentioned as a great work that Alfred sponsors a translation of into English, describing how Angles and Saxons are given England by God and brought to Christ. Referenced as part of Alfred's project to restore learning and create Anglo-Saxon identity.

Building Anglo-Saxon England

Author: John Blair

Context:

Explicitly described as 'an absolutely brilliant book' in the context of discussing Alfred's town planning and state building achievements, particularly the construction of burhs (fortified towns).

Life of Alfred

Author: Asser

Context:

Referred to as 'that amazing Asser's life of Alfred' - a biography written by the Welsh bishop Asser. Also mentioned earlier in context of Asser describing Alfred's ailments (piles) as a blessing from God.