The Political Thought of King Alfred the Great (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780521803502)

This book is a comprehensive study of political thought at the court of King Alfred the Great (871-99). It explains the extraordinary burst of royal learned activity focused on inventive translations from Latin into Old English attributed to Alfred's own authorship. A full exploration of context establishes these texts as part of a single discourse which placed Alfred himself at the heart of all rightful power and authority. A major theme is the relevance of Frankish and other European experiences, as sources of expertise and shared concerns, and for important contrasts with Alfredian thought and behaviour. Part I assesses Alfred's rule against West Saxon structures, showing the centrality of the royal household in the operation of power. Part II offers an intimate analysis of the royal texts, developing far-reaching implications for Alfredian kingship, communication and court culture. Comparative in approach, the book places Alfred's reign at the forefront of wider European trends in aristocratic life.

Author: David Pratt
ISBN-10: 0521803500
ISBN-13: 9780521803502
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 05/31/2007
Pages: 436
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.70lbs
Size: 9.20h x 5.90w x 1.20d