Saxons vs. Vikings: Alfred the Great and England in the Dark Ages

In 871, three of England's four kingdoms were overrun by Vikings, but Alfred, the only English king known as the Great, drove them out of half of England in a decade. He also created England as a nation-state, established an education system, and built cities. Saxons vs. Vikings is the second title in the new A Very, Very Short History of England series.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing

A captivating and succinct exploration of the early stages of English history, marked by the consolidation of the nation following clashes between the Saxons and invading Vikings. In 871, a pivotal year, three out of the four kingdoms of England fell victim to the ruthless and all-conquering Scandinavian raiders, known as the Vikings. These formidable adversaries left a trail of destruction, as they mercilessly murdered one king with arrows and subjected another to a torturous death by ripping out his lungs. The future of the kingdom of Wessex appeared grim, with the Norsemen showcasing their dominance by employing such brutal tactics. Moreover, the Saxons were now under the leadership of a young man, barely out of his teens, who seemed more preoccupied with religious pursuits than engaging in warfare. However, within a mere decade, Alfred, the sole English king recognized as the Great, achieved an extraordinary feat. Through his unwavering determination and strategic prowess, Alfred drove the Vikings out of half of England, laying the foundation for the eventual unification of the country. His children and grandchildren would later play a crucial role in consolidating the nation, further solidifying England as a nation-state.

This period, which has gained popularity among enthusiasts of television series such as Vikings and The Last Kingdom, witnessed the emergence of England as a unified entity. Alfred, in his role as the first national law code, established an education system and constructed cities, which played a significant role in shaping the nation's development. Saxons vs. Vikings also delves into the preceding era, encompassing ancient Britain, the Roman occupation, and the Dark Ages. It provides an insightful account of important historical events, such as the uprising led by Boudicca, the legendary King Arthur, and the epic poem Beowulf. This book is particularly suited for those who are new to the subject, serving as the second installment in the new A Very, Very Short History of England series. By delving into the complexities of English history in a concise and engaging manner, this book offers an excellent starting point for those seeking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the nation and its rich heritage.

Weight: 136g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781510773608