Alfred the Great

Alfred the Great by Jacob Abbott, first published in 1876. Alfred the Great was King of Wessex from 871 to 899. Alfred successfully defended his kingdom against the Viking attempt at conquest, and by his death had become the dominant ruler in England. He is the only English monarch to be accorded the epithet "the Great". Alfred was the first King of the West Saxons to style himself "King of the Anglo-Saxons". The thrilling story of one of the most remarkable figures in history. Recounts how Alexander ascended the Macedonian throne at the age of 20, overthrew his rival claimants, and then began preparations for the expedition against Persia. After defeating Darius, he proceeded to Egypt where he founded Alexandria, then turned back into Asia, where he subdued the most powerful nations, and in a span of eleven years conquered almost all of the known world. But, as his fortunes rose, his character deteriorated, and he died unexpectedly at the age of 33. Ages 14-18