Filled with drama and action, here is the story of the ninth-century life and times of Alfred—warrior, conqueror, lawmaker, scholar, and the only king whom England has ever called "The Great." Based on up-to-date information on ninth-century history, geography, philosophy, literature, and social life, it vividly presents exciting views of Alfred in every stage of his long career and leaves the reader with a sharply-etched picture of the world of the Middle Ages.

Eleanor Shipley Duckett was for many years professor of classics at Smith College. Her many books include The Gateway to the Middle Ages, Anglo-Saxon Saints and Scholars, Alcuin: Friend of Charlemagne, and Saint Dunstan of Canterbury.