Alfred: Warrior King

I find any information of the dark ages fascinating and this book proved an excellent source for me to build on my existing knowledge of perhaps our greatest king

Recommended by Bernard Corwell ... no more explanation necessary! Great!

Well worth a read - a great book. A skillful examination of the one of the most dramatic periods of history; the creation of England and the English. Much of the book concentrates on the military aspects of Alfred's leadership and his talent for understanding what needed to be done to defeat the Viking menace. By applying a military mind to many historical events only scantily recorded, Peddie has managed to shed new light on important issues. A couple of small criticisms; firstly that some early assumptions later appear as facts, and secondly there are times when I felt the Vikings are 'played up' and the Anglo Saxons 'played down.' But this should not detract anyone from reading this excellent book. It is not boring history, but an interesting insight into a truely great leader. If in doubt over whether to read it, give it a go; you will not be disappointed.