This book is not my “usual” reading and I was a bit nervous choosing this as my next book to review. The book included a time line, maps and an index that had intimidated me at first, but by the end of this history lesson I found myself cross checking them to put every fact that I had learned into place. I can honestly say that I was intrigued to understand more about Alfred the Great, who was most likely quickly mentioned in my high school learning and then completely forgotten.
Being the fifth son, Alfred’s chances of being king would have seemed improbable at best, but at the age of 22, he was crowned King of Wessex, an Anglo-Saxon kingdom in southern England. Most of his reign consisted of constant battles fought with Viking armies from the north who were trying to plunder and eventually take over all of England.
What makes Alfred “great” however is what he did for his people during the times his country was at peace. He set up extensive defensive fortifications to protect individual cities, also, creating an army never more than a day’s walk from any part of his kingdom to protect the country from outside forces. Internally, he also introduced a new standard of justice that helped prevent blood feuds rising up from among his own people. Because of his own love of learning, Alfred set up many schools with the hope that every freeborn man within his borders would be able to read. Alfred, himself, translated many texts from Latin into their Anglo-Saxon tongue so that these new pupils would have books to learn from.
This book would be perfect for a student to use in a book report, or any student of history. The accomplishments Alfred performed in his 50 years of living, can be felt and provide powerful insights in our lives today. Keeping his country and people unified against great odds and coming out victorious, always pressing forward and striving for more is a good lesson for us to have even today.
Thomas Nelson sent me the above book for review purposes. It will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Thomas Nelson.
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Interesting. I’m always looking for a good read. Is this a book that you slog through? or did you find it an interesting page turner? Also, I’d love to know how you were chosen as a reviewer by Thomas Nelson publishers – that sounds like something I’d like to do if I have a chance.
I slogged through because I would read about 10-20 pages a night before bed. If you want to sign up for Thomas Nelson reviewers go to my old blog at http://thatswhatimherefor-diane.blogspot.com/ and scroll down to the “I review for button”. It is free to join and open to anyone with a blog. I am enjoying it. You read one book, post a blog entry on your site and then a book site such as Amazon.com and then you can request another book. Great opportunity for those who like to read to get free books to keep.
Thanks for the review Diane! Hope you have a wonderful New Year!
Thanks Tamika! Hope your new year is blessed.
Good for you, reviewing a book you might now read otherwise. I review for Blogspot Book Tour and there were books I didn’t take just for that reason. You know, I might be a little small-minded to do that. Making me think.
I enjoyed this book. Not a fast read but it is amazing all that Alfred did for his country. How many today would give as much? So thankful for each and every service person.
Your review peeked my interest…I do enjoy certain kinds/styles of history books!
Cheers
This book was interesting. He had a daughter that stirred me and made me think a book should be written as fiction about her. Strong and a leader like her dad.
I’m definitely going to read this book. I’m always looking for good historical reads. Thanks for the review.
Hope all is well in your neck of the woods. You probably do lots of reading up there. Praying you had a great Christmas! :O)