The White Horse King: The Life of Alfred the Great

by Benjamin R. Merkle

Sometimes the heroes of history are truly worthy of the golden reputations they carry.     King Alfred united Anglo-Saxon England against a Viking invasion, led the English into battle against the Danish hordes, created a renaissance of literature and the arts, reformed the legal system, and set the stage for a revival of Christian worship. But that's not what made him great. Ben Merkle unravels the tale of how a great man came to power during one of the most difficult periods in English history, how he led his nation through them, and how he laid the groundwork for England's coming triumphs on the global stage.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Medieval, Christian, British Literature, Medieval History

274 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 2009

About the author

Dr. Benjamin Merkle is the President of New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho. He holds a D.Phil. in Oriental Studies and an M.St. in Jewish Studies from Oxford University, England, a Master’s degree in English Literature, and a B.S. in Education (Secondary Education-Chemistry, with a minor in History) both from the University of Idaho. He also studied theology at Greyfriars Hall from 1998 to 2000.

Reviews

[Juliew. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 and half stars
I went on a little diversion and what a lovely diversion it was.Loved the Anglo-Saxon culture,the battle scenes and of course the story of Alfred himself.Unfortunately, not too much on his childhood is given but I would definitely say his later story made up for it.Who could not like a king that repeatedly fought vikings and won?I can't say I enjoyed the writing but I did however like the battle descriptions and that kept me turning pages at first.But as Alfred's personality was revealed I became more and more intrigued.His work on roads (still in use today),the economy, military defenses,law,religion and literacy set a precedent for England.Alfred was not only a warrior and king but an example to his people.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first piece of English history that I have read from this time period...the 800s AD. This is the time of the Anglo-Saxons, people that had their origins in the Germanic Tribes of northern Europe that traversed the English Channel and ruled England in the years following the decline of the Roman Empire. At this time Great Britain was divided into many small kingdoms, e.g., Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia, Wessex, etc. These kingdoms were ruled by Anglo-Saxon nobles, though over time raiding Vikings (if you like to read about Vikings you'll LOVE this book), mainly from Denmark, attacked and started to take over England piecemeal, starting in the north. Alfred grew up in the south in the kingdom of Wessex, and living under the constant threat of being raided by Vikings.

Alfred was the youngest son of the king, and with four older brothers it was highly unlikely that he would ever ascend to the throne, but ascend he did, but not through treachery. He became king when he was in his early 20s. He ruled for 28 years, and made military, educational, and polical changes and advances that benefited all countries and peoples that descended from English roots. You will he fascinated to learn about the origins of Common Law, etc.

This is English history before the coming of the Normans.

I found Benjamin Merkle's writing style to be clear and engaging. His narratives allowed me to imagine not only the events that were taking place, but provided insights into what the different participants may have been thinking and why.

All in all I found this book to be fantastic. Whenever I'd sit down to read I'd seem to just get started and I'd check and 10 or 20 pages would have flown by.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys history, English history, European history, or the history of Vikings.

5 solid stars!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alfred the Great is a little known character in history--at least I knew little to nothing of him. I came across this book and saw enough promise in what I could find about it to add it to my list. But it has been on my reading list for several years. I finally got it and found that it was a great, great book.

Merkle is a fine storyteller and biographer, but the strength of the book is in his subject--the great man himself, King Alfred. Alfred was an Anglo-Saxon king in the late ninth century facing the ever-present Viking raids on England. He was the only king to truly stand up against the raiders and succeed against them.

The book presents the context into which he was born--a fifth child--an unlikely king. But he is pressed into duty as the Vikings take their toll on the line of succession to the throne of Wessex. Alfred is given opportunities to visit Rome and his Christian piety is one of his greatest virtues.

His piety drove his bravery and perseverance amidst great trials and afflictions. The book predominates in the many skirmishes and battles fought with Viking raiders throughout his reign, but toward the end of the book, as peace begins to be established, Alfred shows his mature wisdom in bringing justice, literacy, and learning to his kingdom.

Merkle uses the phrase "place of slaughter" far too often in the book. Perhaps it is an English rendering of a common Anglo-Saxon term. If so,I would have found the Anglo-Saxon word more palatable than reading this stock phrase countless times throughout.

All in all this is a fantastic read. It is written to the reading level of a high schooler or college age reader which makes it very accessible, very quick, and very engaging. This is the kind of book we want our kids reading as it presents the virtues of servant leadership and the power of Christian faith upon a nation.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to know what to say about a person like Alfred the Great without getting long-winded. I think I will just say that through the reading I have done so far, power-hungry kings are a dime a dozen. The kings that are humble, caring, and view themselves as a servant of the people, are much more rare. Alfred is one of the latter. His is one of those stories that inspire the phrase “truth is better than fiction”.

Some reviewers have complained that this book is ‘unscholarly’, a claim I find ironic, given Merkle’s relation of an experience in the introduction. To me, the introduction clearly communicated the author’s wish that this not be a typical scholarly biography, but a story told from the view-point of a student of history who greatly admires the person he is talking about. This story is told with fervor, love, and excitement. Merkle gets slightly defensive at times, in honor of his hero, but that is understandable.

This book serves as a great introduction into the life of Alfred the Great, and definitely sparks interest for further study.

[Caleb M. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal biography. Made me want to write stories about noble men succeeding against all odds.

[Anna Mussmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent biography. Merkle’s book is a "fun read" rather than a scholarly one, and he repeatedly derides the “serious scholars” determined not to accept anything tainted by myth or heroism. Serious scholars are important too, but Merkle has a point--sometimes historical figures really are best remembered as heroes.

The book is strengthened by the author’s delight in telling a good story, as well as by his sympathetic willingness to recognize the huge impact of Alfred’s Christian faith on his actions and character. And, seriously, Alfred’s story is amazing. There is a reason he’s the only English king called “the Great.”

Occasionally the writing gets a little clunky (the author frames a few sentences oddly and has a tendency to overuse pet phrases), but it’s still a stirring ride. You all should read it!

[Daniel Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Alfred is the only king of England to have "the great" attached to his name. Though he was never king of all England, just the Anglo-Saxon king of Wessex, but probably deserves credit for singlehandedly preventing England being overrun completely by pagan Vikings in the late 800s.

In 793 A.D. Viking raids against Britain began to be a regular feature of life. Britain was not a united kingdom, but a patchwork of smaller kingdoms ruled by various Anglo-Saxon kings, and by Alfred's time most of them had more or less succumbed to Viking control.

Alfred himself was a 5th son, unlikely to inherit his father's kingdom of Wessex, but eventually he did, and his life is the story of maintaining Wessex as the last free Anglo-Saxon kingdom and transforming its people into a more cohesive, noble, and disciplined society that could repel the repeated Danish attacks. He also revived learning and law, and ruled as an exemplary Christian king. He could probably stand up in the hall of faith as one who "through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight" (Hebrews 11:33-34).

Well written and worthwhile read of a king who a lot of people know only by name, but little of his actual life and context.

[Rex Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not possible to know if we would speak English, have common law, or even worship a Christian God without Alfred, the only British monarch to be called “the Great.” But the likelihood is we wouldn’t. For, at the end of the 9th century he saved Anglo-Saxon Britain from the Vikings. Just how he did it is a story well worth reading and probably important enough to hold in memory. It is extremely well told in this book and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Nash Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure gold. It’s hard to comprehend all King Alfred accomplished in his 50 years of life.
“Alfred found learning dead and he restored it,
Education neglected and he revived it,
The laws powerless and he gave them force,
The church debased and he raised it,
The land ravaged by a fearful enemy from which he delivered it. Alfred’s name shall live as long as mankind shall respect the past.” From Page 177

[Pat Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love history and this did not disappoint. Though 50 years would have been a long life in Alfred’s time, I found it remarkable what he accomplished in his 50 years. He seemed to never stop trying to improve his life and those of his subjects. He was relentless in building a defense for his often-invaded lands. A great example of God’s admonitions to have wisdom and show justice and mercy.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Occasionally repetitive prose (specifically the use of adjectives and adverbs), but the subject matter is so thrilling it doesn’t matter.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting to be mildly interested in this and find it a bit of a bore. I wasn’t expecting stay-up-past-my-bedtime story grip, and I especially wasn’t expecting to bawl my eyes out. But...Guthram's baptism! I never suspected that the phrase “ferocious grace” could make sense, but indeed it does. The English really don’t make kings like they used to. That’s what comes of castrating and bidding the geldings be fruitful. (I watched the BBC “Bertie and Elizabeth” last week and found it the most depressing thing in the world that about five minutes after the Brits defeated the Nazis, they surrendered without a whimper to the home-grown socialists.) But Alfred was the real deal—a monarch with military might, a merciful mien, and marvelous mental capacity. Can’t remember who my last historical crush was, or if I’ve ever had one, but I hope I get to be all blushy and tongue-tied when I meet him in the resurrection. Three cheers a piece to my friends who have named their sons Alfred. Go thou and do likewise!

Joffre did a fine job, as usual, on the narration. I’m not sure he nailed all those impossible British place names, but that’s because nobody’s sure. (Except Lisa J. Maybe she’ll listen and let us know.)

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what a Christian king looks like?

Consider Alfred's rule and reign.

David typified Christ. He brought peace to Isreal by conquering their enemies, he reformed Isreal's worship, and he is described as a man after God's own heart.

Alfred reflected Christ. He brought peace to his kingdom, reformed Wessex's worship, and set his mind and his subjects minds towards wisdom, which is the fear of the Lord.

Alfred's three main achievements:
Military reform-
Alfred constructed a system of Burhs, fortified cities so that all of Wessex and its subkingdoms had a fortress within a day's march. He also created a standing army and did away with the old shire-fyrd system, which could take weeks to mobilize.

Reforming Worship-
In this instance, Alfred did less to reform the erros of the church and more to reintroduce literacy and Scripture to the Anglo-Saxon tongue. When Alfred ascended the throne, there were three people on all of Britiannia who could read Latin, the language of the church. Almost no one could read Anglo-Saxon. Alfred set about correcting this by bringing scholars from Europe to teach the people and by requiring the nobles to become literate. If a noble did not become literate and refused to set his mind to learning wisdom, he was removed from his position and replaced by someone who would. Alfred himself learned Latin and translated a number of the Psalms and 'Pastoral Care' by Gregory the Great amoung other works.

Alfred set in motion the establishment of a literate people, and he rewarded those who sought after wisdom. Before boys were taught manly skills (riding, swordsmanship), they were required to be instructed in reading and writing. His emphasis on learning was designed to produce character in his Thegns so that they would act justly and righteously.

The Domboc-
The Domboc was Alfred's rule of law for Wessex. It consisted of 120 law codes, of which Alfred and his Witan (advisors) contributed only 43 original laws. The other 77 were taken from previous kings. This Domboc is the basis for English Common Law, which significantly affects english law and England's former colonies' law codes tothisa day. In his preface to the Dombo, Alfred quotes the ten commandments and then section of ceremonial law where the commandments were applied. He then quotes portions of Christ applying the ten commandments in the Gospels. In my opinio, this shows Alfred's devotion to God.



I think Alfred's devotion to the Lord is proven more clearly in his consistent mercy to the vikings and in the example of his son, Edward, leading men into battle as a prince and continuing his father's reforms. To m, this says that Edward was not neglected by his father, despite the may duties his father was responsible for, but was trained to fear God.

Edward reigned after after Alfred's death and expanded the borders of Wessex. Aethelstan, Alfred's grandson, was the first king of all Britannia, and it was he who finished driving the vikings from the coasts of England. Yet neither Edward nor Aethelstan would have had a kingdom or the means to drive the Danes from Britannia if it had not been for the faithfulness of Alfred to fulfill his vocation to the utmost of his skill and strength.

As a side note, reading this book made me realize how much of LOTR and the Hobbit was based on old English history. Totally mind-blowing... Shire-fyrds, Middle Earth, Ring givers.

[JT Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best biographies I have ever read.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read. Merkle actively resists scholarly pessimism, which is a pleasant departure.

[Gayla Bassham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't go higher than two stars for this book, I'm afraid, and that is after I award a bonus star for piquing my interest in Alfred the Great.

Alfred the Great is a truly fascinating person. Since I read this book I have sought out two more biographies of him, which I've thoroughly enjoyed. But this is not a good book. At the most basic level, it lacks citations for many assertions, which I found tremendously frustrating. How does he know that "the songs Alfred heard in the mead hall as a boy intoxicated him"? How does he know that "the Anglo-Saxon tribes were Christian tribes, and not just in name only but faithfully worshiping the God of the Bible with a vibrant and fruitful faith"? (There is a bibliography but no endnotes or footnotes, at least not in the Kindle version.)

And then there is this:

"And then without warning, the inexorable Viking assault suddenly dissolved. In one moment, the fierce and relentless barrage of Danish warriors vanished as if it had been a mirage. All that was left was a view of the backside of a panic-stricken mob fleeing for its life. It took several moments for Alfred and his men to recover from their amazement and to realize what had happened. Suddenly, it became clear. King Æthelred had finished his prayers."

Passages like this dot the book. Again, there is no citation for any of this. I suspect it came from Asser's biography of Alfred, a hotly contested hagiography which may or may not have been written during Alfred's lifetime and which no longer exists in its original form (the last medieval copy was destroyed in a fire in the seventeenth century). Asser's Life of Alfred has been the subject of literally centuries of scholarly debate, and virtually no serious scholar would treat it as an entirely factual account, but you would never know this from the main text of this book; the author, as best I can tell, credulously uses it as a primary source.

The author seems to have constructed a fantasy about Alfred the Great in his head and is determined to wrench the facts to fit his image of the king. He does not accept, for example, that Kingstanding Hill was the site of the Battle of Ashdown; he prefers Whitehorse Hill. But he gives us no real evidence for his interpretation; he does not explain why he thinks that most historians are wrong other than to say that locating the battle at Kingstanding is "such a remarkably miserly way to interpret the evidence." And hey, maybe Merkle's right -- maybe it was at Whitehorse Hill. I don't know enough about the competing theories to judge. But he isn't giving me a reason to agree with him other than the idea that Whitehorse Hill fits his romantic notions of the kind of king Alfred was.

This constant romanticizing does Alfred no favors--indeed, it makes him less complex and less interesting. Everything Alfred does is Good, and everything his enemies do is Bad. He is all-wise, aa brilliant scholar, a skilled soldier. He invents the horn lantern! He invents a kind of clock! He invents constitutional originalism! When the Vikings win a battle--as a side note, I found the author's insistence on referring to the Vikings as "pagans" tremendously grating--it is because they are bloodthirsty and vicious; when Alfred's forces win, they are filled with godly zeal. Now, the Vikings were definitely known for their cruelty, but it is still hard not to see a double standard in the way Merkle reports on Alfred's battle prowess.

Similarly, this is the author's description of feudalism: "These simple instincts, the faithfulness to a master and the love for a people, forged a strong and compelling bond that time and again held the warriors of Wessex together in the clash of the shieldwalls." Feudalism was quite a bit more complicated than "faithfulness to a master" and "a strong and compelling bond" and it's surprising to see a modern work of history endorsing such a simplistic view of it.

There are several biographies of Alfred the Great out there. If you like history, you should read one -- he was fascinating. But don't read this one.

[Anita Deacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. Had me in novel-like story grip at certain points.
It must be difficult when writing a history book to decide how much detail and which details to include. Dr. Merkle picked all the right ones in the right amounts.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why aren't books like this read in high school?!? Instead of memorizing the primary exports of countries that didn't exist twenty years ago and probably won't again in another twenty, we could be learning the stories of people who really made an impact on the course of history. Published in 2009, this relatively new book is very engagingly written, very comprehensively researched, and is a pleasure to read. The portrait of Alfred that emerges, chapter by chapter, just keeps getting more interesting and more impressive. No wonder he's referred to as "the Great." He really was. And this book does an excellent job of telling his story in a very accessible way.

[Caleb Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know anything about Alfred the Great before this book, but found out the small fact that he’s the main reason England exists. Everyone needs to read this.

Finished again 10/2025: 4 stars this time because as everyone has pointed out, this book gets a bit speculative at times and the level of specific detail can be hard to believe. Overall still great though.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I was marginally familiar with King Alfred, and now I want more. I have already checked out a few more books about him. I want to lead from the front like him and inspire men like him. Lord willing it will happen

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

all my homies love love love alfred the great

[Jonathan Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the writing deserves a 4, the compelling content and nature of the story pushed me to give a 5. Every young man ought to be familiar with Alfred in order to be encouraged and aided in seeing the fruits of what God-given courage and conviction can achieve for His ultimate honor and glory.

[Grant Van Brimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb account of the life, historical context, courage, brilliance, and faith of Alfred the Great. the kids and I loved it.

[David Bruyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, warm and readable history of one of the greatest kings ever. Alfred was a true Hezekiah in his time, combining military might, religious devotion and cultural production to produce the strongest Anglo-Saxon period in England's history.

[Carrie Brownell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well-researched and yet very easy to engage with and understand. Merkle writes the history of Alfred the Great in a delightful way, opening up a period of history to me that I knew very little about.

Highly recommend.

[Matthew Bloomquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Alfred was after all, a mere mortal. Nevertheless, he was a fierce warrior, a devout christian, ever thirsting for wisdom, deeply committed to justice, a lover of mercy, and a king who gave himself for his people, he was practically a myth and a much needed reality, he was the King of the White Horse, Alfred The Great.”


One of the best biographies I have read. Absolutely incredible. The whole book is a beautiful illustration of Christ our valiant and humble king, who took his enemies and made them sons, who learned obedience through his sufferings. He conquers the Guthrum’s and makes them Aethelstan’s

What a glorious picture of Christendom and what it looks like for the Church to reclaim culture through Her fortified Burhs. The Church must not pay the Danegeld, bowing the knee to the oppressors ideologies, but rather set Her feet firmly upon the Word of God and conquer as the Church militant.

It is always a temptation to an armed and agile nation
To call upon a neighbour and to say: –
"We invaded you last night – we are quite prepared to fight,
Unless you pay us cash to go away."

And that is called asking for Dane-geld,
And the people who ask it explain
That you've only to pay 'em the Dane-geld
And then you'll get rid of the Dane!

It is always a temptation for a rich and lazy nation,
To puff and look important and to say: –
"Though we know we should defeat you, we have not the time to meet you.
We will therefore pay you cash to go away."

And that is called paying the Dane-geld;
But we've proved it again and again,
That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld
You never get rid of the Dane.

It is wrong to put temptation in the path of any nation,
For fear they should succumb and go astray;
So when you are requested to pay up or be molested,
You will find it better policy to say: --

"We never pay any-one Dane-geld,
No matter how trifling the cost;
For the end of that game is oppression and shame,
And the nation that plays it is lost!"

[Michael Troutman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely enjoyable and a great peace of popular history. Filled in several of the gaps of my knowledge of the time. Favorite parts were the descriptions of Alfred’s treatments of his enemies and what became of the Vikingr Guthrum, and the tracing of the English Common Law back to Alfred’s reforms. Great example of piety and wisdom much needed in any age.

[Thomas Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun and easy read. It took a bit to settle into, Merkle's prose starts pretty dry and history book-like, but he once he gets going (around when Alfred was finally a man and the battles began) it was delightful to read.

[Nimrodds]

ספר נהדר, מאוד מהנה לקריאה וכולל בתוכו מסמכים היסטורים ויזואלים, זה ספר עיון למעשה

[Logan Thune · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly remarkable and inspiring king.