Alfred the Great

Alfred is the only English king ever to be called 'Great'. It was not a title given by political supporters, not the sycophantic gift of an official biographer, nor a self-styled title. It was the gift of history. Justin Pollard's enthralling, authoritative account befits Alfred - a soldier, a scholar and statesman like no other in English history.

His rule spanned troubled times. His shores were under constant threat from Viking marauders and he faced turmoil at home. Soon after he be…