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Ælfred’s Britain: War and Peace in the Viking Age
In AD 865 , a 'great host' of battle-hardened Norse warriors landed on England's eastern coast , overwhelmed East Anglia with terrifying swiftness and laid the North to waste. Ghosting along estuaries and inshore waters, in 871 they penetrated deep into the southern kingdom of Wessex, ruled over by a new and untested king, Ælfred son of Æðelwulf. It seemed as though the End of Days was come. Max Adams tells the story of the heroic efforts of Ælfred , his successors and fellow-kings of Britain, to adapt and survive in the face of an apocalyptic threat; and in so doing, to lay the foundations of the nations of modern Britain in all their regional diversity.
624 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2017
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About the author
Max Adams
14 books184 followersI am an archaeologist, woodsman and traveller. I live in the North-east of England where I write about landscape and history. My next non-fiction work, to be published in Autumn 2017, is called Alfred's Britain - a history and archaeology of the British Isles in the Viking Age. The King in the North has been a non-fiction bestseller since its publication. In the Land of Giants, my latest non-fiction book, is a series of journeys, mostly on foot, through Dark Age landscapes.
In May 2016 I published my first novel, The Ambulist.
In May 2016 I published my first novel, The Ambulist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 26, 2021
After watching the Last Kingdom & Vikings, I decided to pick up this book and read it. I am someone who goes through different phases of historical eras I like to study (maybe World War 2 for a while, the next, Ancient Rome or the Napoleonic wars), and so I wanted to study Anglo-Saxon Britain, pre-1066. This book did a good job with explaining this, and shifted from various topics on occasion to explain the context of the era. If you’re looking for a history book dedicated solely on the Vikings, this might not be the choice, however, if you wish to understand the era of Great Heathen Army, the Saxon Burhs, the early English kings, and the important aspects of England during this age, this is worth it.
September 30, 2018
I can't say I enjoyed the narrative in this which at times was pretty confusing.The book is basically a time line following Alfred's reign and those of his descendants through 955.The narrative is backed up by archaeological evidence and what we know of the finds and what potentially they mean to this period in British history and to Alfred's reign and his followers.It goes into everything from Anglo-saxon jewels and viking hoards to religion and battle.It is a scholary account and seemed well researched.However,I found the constant shifting topics difficult to follow and how some of the archaeological finds related to the time line.Enjoyed the photographs,details on Alfred,the vikings and the info on the various towns involved with this era.
September 17, 2018
Much has been made of the fact that Alfred is the one medieval English king that still has the epithet ‘Great’ attached permanently to his name. He is seen by the general British populace (or perhaps alone by the English populace) as the king who united the British Isles into a nation of the anglecynn – one nation that was multi-ethnic under one ruler. Max Adams makes it clear through this book that this was not really the case and it wasn’t until his grandson had the reins of power that this statement could even approach being a degree of the truth.
So why does Alfred stick out and is so well remembered as THE king remembered of the Dark Ages? Is it simply that he had better PR than the rest or was there something different about his rule, and from his rule onwards? It is most certainly true that he did have better PR and was more than likely the best educated of monarchs of Wessex and ‘greater England’, more so than any that had come before, having visited the Vatican in his youth (a journey of staggering dimensions in the 9th century) and been raised to value learning and to have seen the value of diplomacy and politics. Max Adams has realised that in order to understand Alfred it is necessary to understand those that came before, the environment that Alfred inhabited and what came after, and a crucial part of this is a history is the interaction between the Vikings (generally seen as Scandinavian but better seen as a term for just ‘Raiders’ of any Scandinavian original but who may have launched raids from anywhere around the British Isles, Ireland or Europe) and the various kingships of the British Isles and Ireland.
What has to be born in mind right at the start was that Alfred represented a previous set of invaders that had colonised and taken over England as an elite on the fall of the Romano-British settlements from the 5th to the 7th century AD. The understanding of the geography of the 7th to the 10th centuries must rest on an understanding of the underlying and remaining (at that time) Romano-British centres and road and civitas. So already there is a mix of ethnicities which can be traced genetically up and into the present day, but which needs to be seen as an incoming of a Germanic base into a British or a Romano-British base, the Celtic element already having been driven westwards and northwards by the Romans. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-S...)
However as this period developed from 400 to 800 AD, we see the establishment of a number of ‘kingdoms’ – Wessex, Mercia, Northumberland, East Anglia throughout England and a similar too, though separate pattern in Scotland and Wales neither of which existed as ‘nations’ under one rule. Of major importance was the establishment of Christianity in the British Isles and the role of the Church in medieval life.
The first date and record of attack by the Norse Vikings was in 789. From that point onwards these coastal and inland raiders attacked and plundered churches and settlements, established trading centres and safe ports and gradually began to control parts of England Wales and Scotland including the Orkneys and Shetland. Alfred’s role was to curtail this ‘Viking’ invasion and make peace at a time when it looked like the whole of the British Isles would be overrun by these polytheistic marauding invaders.
Seems simples. But as usual it’s not. The credit must go to Max Adams for writing a book about this period which greatly helps in the understanding of the development of the British Isles from the demise of Romano-British to the arrival of the Normans, themselves Norse-men, in 1066.
The book is full of argument and presentations of what might be seen as alternatives. This is not easy ground to follow and historians have to piece together evidence from disparate sources – writings from the time which may or may not be true, archaeology - which is commonly surmise and guesswork, linguistics and genetics – to try and understand how these kingdoms rose and fell, how dissension, dispute, warfare, politic and compromise played out in a multi-ethnic environment. It is a fascinating book.
So why does Alfred stick out and is so well remembered as THE king remembered of the Dark Ages? Is it simply that he had better PR than the rest or was there something different about his rule, and from his rule onwards? It is most certainly true that he did have better PR and was more than likely the best educated of monarchs of Wessex and ‘greater England’, more so than any that had come before, having visited the Vatican in his youth (a journey of staggering dimensions in the 9th century) and been raised to value learning and to have seen the value of diplomacy and politics. Max Adams has realised that in order to understand Alfred it is necessary to understand those that came before, the environment that Alfred inhabited and what came after, and a crucial part of this is a history is the interaction between the Vikings (generally seen as Scandinavian but better seen as a term for just ‘Raiders’ of any Scandinavian original but who may have launched raids from anywhere around the British Isles, Ireland or Europe) and the various kingships of the British Isles and Ireland.
What has to be born in mind right at the start was that Alfred represented a previous set of invaders that had colonised and taken over England as an elite on the fall of the Romano-British settlements from the 5th to the 7th century AD. The understanding of the geography of the 7th to the 10th centuries must rest on an understanding of the underlying and remaining (at that time) Romano-British centres and road and civitas. So already there is a mix of ethnicities which can be traced genetically up and into the present day, but which needs to be seen as an incoming of a Germanic base into a British or a Romano-British base, the Celtic element already having been driven westwards and northwards by the Romans. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-S...)
However as this period developed from 400 to 800 AD, we see the establishment of a number of ‘kingdoms’ – Wessex, Mercia, Northumberland, East Anglia throughout England and a similar too, though separate pattern in Scotland and Wales neither of which existed as ‘nations’ under one rule. Of major importance was the establishment of Christianity in the British Isles and the role of the Church in medieval life.
The first date and record of attack by the Norse Vikings was in 789. From that point onwards these coastal and inland raiders attacked and plundered churches and settlements, established trading centres and safe ports and gradually began to control parts of England Wales and Scotland including the Orkneys and Shetland. Alfred’s role was to curtail this ‘Viking’ invasion and make peace at a time when it looked like the whole of the British Isles would be overrun by these polytheistic marauding invaders.
Seems simples. But as usual it’s not. The credit must go to Max Adams for writing a book about this period which greatly helps in the understanding of the development of the British Isles from the demise of Romano-British to the arrival of the Normans, themselves Norse-men, in 1066.
The book is full of argument and presentations of what might be seen as alternatives. This is not easy ground to follow and historians have to piece together evidence from disparate sources – writings from the time which may or may not be true, archaeology - which is commonly surmise and guesswork, linguistics and genetics – to try and understand how these kingdoms rose and fell, how dissension, dispute, warfare, politic and compromise played out in a multi-ethnic environment. It is a fascinating book.
January 4, 2019
My biggest issue with this book is that it is presented as a history--but it's not. It's an archeological treatise. Which means that instead of engaging with the people and events of the time, the focus is on which sites are most likely to have been where certain battles took place, and what coinage can tell us about the era. Which is fine, if that's what you're looking for ... but that was not what the book claimed to be about.
My other major issue with this book was the manner in which the information was presented. It was given in a very scattershot way, making it nearly impossible to follow what was happening, to whom it was happening, and how this related to anything that came before or after it.
Overall a very frustrating read, as it kept giving tantalizing hints of how fascinating all of this could have been if only it had been shared with the reader in a manner one could follow and engage with.
My other major issue with this book was the manner in which the information was presented. It was given in a very scattershot way, making it nearly impossible to follow what was happening, to whom it was happening, and how this related to anything that came before or after it.
Overall a very frustrating read, as it kept giving tantalizing hints of how fascinating all of this could have been if only it had been shared with the reader in a manner one could follow and engage with.
January 5, 2018
An excellent book. Full review to follow.
Aelfred's Britain is an excellent book, not confining itself to the period of Alfred's rule but comprehensively offering an account of England from the reign of Alfred's grandfather to the end of the reign of his youngest grandson (King Eadred) in 955. This makes it much more than a book about Alfred and rather a book about Britain and the Vikings just before, after and during The First Viking Age.
Instead of focusing on England and the Vikings, the book covers the actvities of the Vikings in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, in a very similar vein to the wonderful book by Claire Downham 'Viking Kings of Britain and Ireland: The Dynasty of Ívarr to A.D. 1014', along the way noting events on the Continent and in the homelands of the Vikings and Danes.
This ia an important development in the history of the period and a step that should have been taken long, long ago. There is little point in knowing events in England in isolation during this period - a wider view point should and must be adopted.
The author also employs an enjoyable and enlightening look at the 'map' of Britain - offering something of a handy guide to the various 'stopping-off' points available to the men and women from Scandinavia along the coast and riverways.
Some may find the author's naming conventions a little annoying - but it seems to me that all historians have a preferred naming convention and insist on sticking to it no matter what - and it is only a slight bug-bear but that is because I know much of the period well.
This is a far more 'historical' book than The King in The North (which I always felt was too much like a travel guide for comfort) but it is, at heart,a book by an archaeologist, and this means that the archaelogy is used to 'clothe' the 'known' historical facts and vice versa. Yet, and I must applaud this, the author, while relying on some slightly dubious 'primary' sources, does ensure that the reader is aware of this - and the reader would do well to heed the warnings.
Overall a very enjoyable book, filled with fascinating insights that adopts a view point that has been a long time in being applied to this time period.
Aelfred's Britain is an excellent book, not confining itself to the period of Alfred's rule but comprehensively offering an account of England from the reign of Alfred's grandfather to the end of the reign of his youngest grandson (King Eadred) in 955. This makes it much more than a book about Alfred and rather a book about Britain and the Vikings just before, after and during The First Viking Age.
Instead of focusing on England and the Vikings, the book covers the actvities of the Vikings in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, in a very similar vein to the wonderful book by Claire Downham 'Viking Kings of Britain and Ireland: The Dynasty of Ívarr to A.D. 1014', along the way noting events on the Continent and in the homelands of the Vikings and Danes.
This ia an important development in the history of the period and a step that should have been taken long, long ago. There is little point in knowing events in England in isolation during this period - a wider view point should and must be adopted.
The author also employs an enjoyable and enlightening look at the 'map' of Britain - offering something of a handy guide to the various 'stopping-off' points available to the men and women from Scandinavia along the coast and riverways.
Some may find the author's naming conventions a little annoying - but it seems to me that all historians have a preferred naming convention and insist on sticking to it no matter what - and it is only a slight bug-bear but that is because I know much of the period well.
This is a far more 'historical' book than The King in The North (which I always felt was too much like a travel guide for comfort) but it is, at heart,a book by an archaeologist, and this means that the archaelogy is used to 'clothe' the 'known' historical facts and vice versa. Yet, and I must applaud this, the author, while relying on some slightly dubious 'primary' sources, does ensure that the reader is aware of this - and the reader would do well to heed the warnings.
Overall a very enjoyable book, filled with fascinating insights that adopts a view point that has been a long time in being applied to this time period.
April 2, 2018
I read this hoping to gain greater context on the period of time leading up to, surrounding, and perhaps following the events of the ongoing Saxon Stories series by Bernard Cornwell. This did all of that and much, much more. I'm not terribly familiar with this time period beyond some surface level basics, but the author is thorough without leaving the reader feeling exhausted and writes in a very easily readable style. It does, at times, wander a bit, but this leaves the book feeling more like a journey than just a chronological accounting that works well given the sheer amount of information being provided (it also sounds like this a bit of a hallmark for this author).
Overall, well worth the read, and I would like to check out some of the author's other work in the future.
Overall, well worth the read, and I would like to check out some of the author's other work in the future.
January 1, 2022
The history of the Vikings has been an interest of mine for about 13 years now, not in the least "revived" one way or another thanks to Bernard Cornwell's excellent series 'The Saxon Stories' (later renamed to 'The Last Kingdom' to match the TV-series; it's also the title of the first book in the series). I've yet to read the last six novels, which will prove to be a hard re-introduction, as the last time I read one was in 2014: 'The Pagan Land'. See my shelf for the reviews.
Historical fiction is a perfect introduction if one doesn't know or want to start with non-fiction on a particular historical event/place/person/.... Many books have been and are still being written and published about the Viking Age. We all know the classic bits, like the attack in Lindisfarne in 793 and so on. Aside from the book that treat the topic in general, it's also interesting to read books that focus on a particular era or territory, in this case... Great Britain. Or Britain. Or England. Which wasn't known as such back in King Alfraed's time.
Max Adams is an archaeologist (and historian), but this book looks at the Viking Age in Britain from this point-of-view. As other readers wrote, there are a lot of "seems", "assume", and so on. This does make sense, as there is still much we don't know about that period. There are written records, like the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (British Library), Historia Regum Britanniae (WikiSource) and several others, which Mr Adams used to complement his guiding us through the centuries of Scandinavian occupation. Also necessary to take into account: Who were the chroniclers, the keepers of history back then or throughout the ages?
The book is divided into three parts: 789-878, 879-918, 919-955. You'll learn that what we now know as Great Britain (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) and Ireland was then subdivided into various kingdoms (main roles for Mercia, Northumbria, East Anglia, and Wessex, Dublin, the Isle of Man) and smaller, each with their own governance and competing with each other. The number of kings, jarls, earls, "subkings", ... - in England, Scotland, Ireland, ... - is staggering. You'll also learn about King Alfred, who sought to unite the various territories under one banner, one nation. How battles were fought, deals were struck, lands were given, invaders were chased, hoards were found, bishops exerted their "divine" (rather political, of course) influence, ... and how his (Alfred's) successors (Aethelstan, Edward, ...) had their own style of governing. Language is obviously an important aspect as well, as shown in the names of places, of streets, and more.
As Mr Adams takes us further on the timeline, it's clear that the Vikings were here, eh, there to stay. They established their own communities, traded, waged war, and what have you; with the Anglo-Saxons or among themselves. Little by little both people, the Anglo-Saxons and the Scandinavians (to put the Norse and Danish invaders into one pool), would mingle, intermarry, and influence each other in terms of art, clothing, and more.
I won't go into detail that much - there are better reviews here for that -, because I found the writing or structure not that accessible; while each chapter has key terms to indicate what will be treated, I think it would have been better to put proper titles with each subject/sub-theme, not just symbols to separate one from the other. This leads to a jumpy way of relating the history.
Each chapter contains a lot of information that might/may not interest the general reader. But even if you're interested in the subject, I advise you to stay focused and read the book in bits and pieces.
The book is filled with maps, photos and useful information. Each of the three parts starts with a timeline of the period, followed by an preface of forespæc. At the end of the book, you'll find an overview of the various kings for the different parts of Great Britain, the required notes, a list of consulted books and other documents (on- and offline), and an index.
While not a perfect book, it does help to see and offer a more detailed picture of the Vikings' time in Great Britain and how one thing (or various things) led to (an)other(s). Topics include not only political issues (who governed? who succeeded whom? ...), but also daily life, culture, the economy, minting, and more.
This is not a biography of King Alfred himself; for that there are other books, like 'Alfred the Great: Asser's Life of King Alfred and Other Contemporary Sources' by Asser, the bishop who was in service of Alfred. Mr Adams also referred to some of the sagas, like 'Egil's Saga', and how they are to be taken with a grain of salt, yet may show what life was like back then.
Long story short: Recommended? Yes, if you have at least a good basic background of the Vikings in general and wish to know in detail - even if there is quite some speculation - how they arrived on Anglo-Saxon territory and eventually established their own communities there, but not without a fight or two and more political struggles. Whether or not you have read historical fiction based on the particular period.
----------
Among the mentioned/consulted/listed works, these are still on my TBR-pile:
* Asser - Alfred the Great: Asser's Life of King Alfred and Other Contemporary Sources
* Richard Hall - The World of the Vikings
* Egil's Saga
Next to those, several more (in English or French) still to be read, as added on this shelf.
Historical fiction is a perfect introduction if one doesn't know or want to start with non-fiction on a particular historical event/place/person/.... Many books have been and are still being written and published about the Viking Age. We all know the classic bits, like the attack in Lindisfarne in 793 and so on. Aside from the book that treat the topic in general, it's also interesting to read books that focus on a particular era or territory, in this case... Great Britain. Or Britain. Or England. Which wasn't known as such back in King Alfraed's time.
Max Adams is an archaeologist (and historian), but this book looks at the Viking Age in Britain from this point-of-view. As other readers wrote, there are a lot of "seems", "assume", and so on. This does make sense, as there is still much we don't know about that period. There are written records, like the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (British Library), Historia Regum Britanniae (WikiSource) and several others, which Mr Adams used to complement his guiding us through the centuries of Scandinavian occupation. Also necessary to take into account: Who were the chroniclers, the keepers of history back then or throughout the ages?
The book is divided into three parts: 789-878, 879-918, 919-955. You'll learn that what we now know as Great Britain (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) and Ireland was then subdivided into various kingdoms (main roles for Mercia, Northumbria, East Anglia, and Wessex, Dublin, the Isle of Man) and smaller, each with their own governance and competing with each other. The number of kings, jarls, earls, "subkings", ... - in England, Scotland, Ireland, ... - is staggering. You'll also learn about King Alfred, who sought to unite the various territories under one banner, one nation. How battles were fought, deals were struck, lands were given, invaders were chased, hoards were found, bishops exerted their "divine" (rather political, of course) influence, ... and how his (Alfred's) successors (Aethelstan, Edward, ...) had their own style of governing. Language is obviously an important aspect as well, as shown in the names of places, of streets, and more.
As Mr Adams takes us further on the timeline, it's clear that the Vikings were here, eh, there to stay. They established their own communities, traded, waged war, and what have you; with the Anglo-Saxons or among themselves. Little by little both people, the Anglo-Saxons and the Scandinavians (to put the Norse and Danish invaders into one pool), would mingle, intermarry, and influence each other in terms of art, clothing, and more.
I won't go into detail that much - there are better reviews here for that -, because I found the writing or structure not that accessible; while each chapter has key terms to indicate what will be treated, I think it would have been better to put proper titles with each subject/sub-theme, not just symbols to separate one from the other. This leads to a jumpy way of relating the history.
Each chapter contains a lot of information that might/may not interest the general reader. But even if you're interested in the subject, I advise you to stay focused and read the book in bits and pieces.
The book is filled with maps, photos and useful information. Each of the three parts starts with a timeline of the period, followed by an preface of forespæc. At the end of the book, you'll find an overview of the various kings for the different parts of Great Britain, the required notes, a list of consulted books and other documents (on- and offline), and an index.
While not a perfect book, it does help to see and offer a more detailed picture of the Vikings' time in Great Britain and how one thing (or various things) led to (an)other(s). Topics include not only political issues (who governed? who succeeded whom? ...), but also daily life, culture, the economy, minting, and more.
This is not a biography of King Alfred himself; for that there are other books, like 'Alfred the Great: Asser's Life of King Alfred and Other Contemporary Sources' by Asser, the bishop who was in service of Alfred. Mr Adams also referred to some of the sagas, like 'Egil's Saga', and how they are to be taken with a grain of salt, yet may show what life was like back then.
Long story short: Recommended? Yes, if you have at least a good basic background of the Vikings in general and wish to know in detail - even if there is quite some speculation - how they arrived on Anglo-Saxon territory and eventually established their own communities there, but not without a fight or two and more political struggles. Whether or not you have read historical fiction based on the particular period.
----------
Among the mentioned/consulted/listed works, these are still on my TBR-pile:
* Asser - Alfred the Great: Asser's Life of King Alfred and Other Contemporary Sources
* Richard Hall - The World of the Vikings
* Egil's Saga
Next to those, several more (in English or French) still to be read, as added on this shelf.
September 15, 2018
A fascinating account of the political history of the British Isles from the (in)famous Norse raid on Lindisfarne to the death of Eadred, a grandson of Aelfred the Great. The author relies heavily and to good effect on archaeology to supplement the written sources from the period, revealing the essential fragility of the polity Aelfred bequeathed to his children.
May 1, 2019
Opted to stop reading in the middle of the book as couldn't find energy to continue the arduous process of getting through. The aim was to learn the history of England during the Viking age but found the book very heavy-going. The language used is not for amateurs and I also felt swallowed by the difficult-to-pronounce names of places and kings, which all looked the same or very similar. Hope to find other books meeting the purpose but ones that are actually enjoyable to read
May 18, 2019
Terrible. Do not attempt to read this.
I was looking so forward to this topic but the author simply has not found himself a capable flow. I attempted to endure for the sake of knowledge but it was not possible. He darts in and out of subjects and has no sense of flow.
I was looking so forward to this topic but the author simply has not found himself a capable flow. I attempted to endure for the sake of knowledge but it was not possible. He darts in and out of subjects and has no sense of flow.
January 27, 2025
Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, Picts, Welsh, Irish, Britons, and Scottish Gaels are the genetic fabric from which Adams weaves his history of the late 8th through mid 10th centuries in early medieval England. The Anglo-Saxon world that had coalesced following the withdrawal of the Romans in the 4th and 5th centuries was overturned with the seemingly sudden arrival of the Northmen, raiders from the Scandinavian regions of modern Denmark and Norway. However, despite the popularly held notion that they were some unknown ethnic group that appeared mysteriously out of the mists of the North Sea is demonstrated to me a misconception.
The history is difficult to establish, at best. Much of the known historical sources come from at most a few terse sentences from annals, such as the well known “Anglo-Saxon Chronicle”, or church histories. These, of course tell a highly prejudicial story, entirely from the Christian Saxon perspective. Scandinavian sources are virtually nonexistent, coming from scattered runic inscriptions and sagas written centuries after the fact. Adams is left to piece together a narrative from the precious few manuscripts, archaeological research, coinage, and the origins of location names.
For me, the overall result is somewhat disappointing. No offense to Adams, as he has completed a Herculean task in compiling the history he has, but the jumbled information often is difficult to form into a coherent story. Figures arise out of obscurity and exit the historical record with regularity under perplexing circumstances. Unfortunately, Adams is left using terms such as: likely, perhaps, maybe, and other expressions of conjecture.
The historical period in question is no doubt fascinating. The characters are colorful, when enough evidence exists to portray them with any sense of certainty. However, any reader expecting vibrant accounts of exciting medieval battles between fierce Viking raiders and stalwart theigns of Saxon kings will be disappointed. Accounts of warfare rarely do anything more than list a battlefield name(which frustratingly is also difficult to identify) and relate which side prevailed(again, sometimes a matter of propaganda, rather than historical fact).
The history is difficult to establish, at best. Much of the known historical sources come from at most a few terse sentences from annals, such as the well known “Anglo-Saxon Chronicle”, or church histories. These, of course tell a highly prejudicial story, entirely from the Christian Saxon perspective. Scandinavian sources are virtually nonexistent, coming from scattered runic inscriptions and sagas written centuries after the fact. Adams is left to piece together a narrative from the precious few manuscripts, archaeological research, coinage, and the origins of location names.
For me, the overall result is somewhat disappointing. No offense to Adams, as he has completed a Herculean task in compiling the history he has, but the jumbled information often is difficult to form into a coherent story. Figures arise out of obscurity and exit the historical record with regularity under perplexing circumstances. Unfortunately, Adams is left using terms such as: likely, perhaps, maybe, and other expressions of conjecture.
The historical period in question is no doubt fascinating. The characters are colorful, when enough evidence exists to portray them with any sense of certainty. However, any reader expecting vibrant accounts of exciting medieval battles between fierce Viking raiders and stalwart theigns of Saxon kings will be disappointed. Accounts of warfare rarely do anything more than list a battlefield name(which frustratingly is also difficult to identify) and relate which side prevailed(again, sometimes a matter of propaganda, rather than historical fact).
September 16, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable history of Anglo-Saxon England in the age of Alfred the Great and his successors.
May 26, 2019
Aelfred's Britain: War and Peace in the Viking Age
tells the heroic story of the Wessex King Aelfred and his successors who survived the apocalyptic threat of the Vikings to forge the foundations of modern Britain. At least that is the hyperbolic synopsis used to sell archaeologist and author Max Adams’ informative but heavy going book. In reality Aelfred’s Britain is classically academic in tone offering a balanced and objective take on the formation of modern Britain, one that is thankfully short on the hyperbolic nation building myth of Aelfred the Great and the terror of Viking invasions.
Adams’ introduction sets the theme as a history and archaeology of the peoples of Britain, both native and immigrant during the boisterous expansion of Scandinavian interest in the north Atlantic known as the Viking age. Adams also insists that the Viking age offers remarkably disturbing parallels with the twenty first century but after reading the book I found this statement to be at odds with the conclusions I drew. Viking age parallels with contemporary issues do exist but they are obscured within a book that is in the main focused on the House of Wessex. This is in no way a criticism of Max Adams’ methods, research and analysis, which is both extensive and excellent and enables the author to present an accessible and coherent historical narrative that depicts the tumultuous emergence of a modern Britain.
Focusing on the causes and effects of the Viking incursions into the Insular Kingdoms of Britain allows Adams to explain how the insular kingdoms responded to the threats posed by the Scandinavians, particularly in the kingdom of Wessex where Aelfred’s political manoeuvrings, military strategies and infrastructures became an effective counter to the Viking threat. Once the House of Wessex secured its power, Adams describes how its influence was extended and developed by Aelfred’s successors, detailing the ebb and flow of political and military fortunes in the face of continued Scandinavian interference within the insular kingdoms of Britain. Adams’ analysis suggests that in countering and containing Scandinavian influence the house of Wessex forged the foundation of a modern Britain and with the focus so centred on the rise of the House of Wessex it would be easy to view Aelfred’s Britain as an idealisation of Aelfred the Great.
It is the romanticism of Aelfred the Great as a great unifier of the English against foreign invaders that lurks behind Adams’ suggestion of disturbing parallels to the twenty first century where unease of new foreign incursions has sparked a conflagration of fear and anger across the political spectrum. Within this modern context Aelfred’s idealisation is a static construct an attractive symbology that speaks to the simple symbology of ‘us vs them’ useful in populist politics. Thankfully, the scholarly rigour shown throughout Aelfred’s Britain avoids this hyperbolic mythology and reveals a conclusion that suggests the foundation of modern Britain arose from the complex and dynamic interaction of cultures, peoples and states from across the European continent. This is perhaps best typified by the brief aside that links the spread of the epic poem Beowulf to its multicultural origins striking a chord with an audience immersed in ambiguous identities. For me, the reading of Aelfred’s Britain suggested a less disturbing parallel with the modern twenty first century, one that places the Viking age in an ongoing process of dynamic cultural interactions across the centuries.
With such a detailed analysis centred on political turmoil Aelfred’s Britain loses focus on the everyday lives of the people living in the Viking age. It is a slight criticism of the book as a whole as Adams provides tantalising titbits, such as the progressive nature of tenth century Welsh divorce proceedings that with more focus would illuminate life outside the orbit of Monarchs and rulers. Perhaps the most telling implication for the everyday people lies in the concluding pages that details a trader’s journey through Aelfred’s Britain showing that within dynamic multi-cultural interaction opportunities existed to make a profit.
Aelfred’s Britainis a massive book in size and scope and is perfect for those wishing to delve deep into the history and detail of a formative period in British history. Particularly helpful in this regard is that Max Adams has provided study aiding materials, including maps, timelines, appendices, family trees, notes and historical sources. Overall Aelfred’s Britain is an exhaustive, sometimes exhausting, but always informative and rewarding read.
Adams’ introduction sets the theme as a history and archaeology of the peoples of Britain, both native and immigrant during the boisterous expansion of Scandinavian interest in the north Atlantic known as the Viking age. Adams also insists that the Viking age offers remarkably disturbing parallels with the twenty first century but after reading the book I found this statement to be at odds with the conclusions I drew. Viking age parallels with contemporary issues do exist but they are obscured within a book that is in the main focused on the House of Wessex. This is in no way a criticism of Max Adams’ methods, research and analysis, which is both extensive and excellent and enables the author to present an accessible and coherent historical narrative that depicts the tumultuous emergence of a modern Britain.
Focusing on the causes and effects of the Viking incursions into the Insular Kingdoms of Britain allows Adams to explain how the insular kingdoms responded to the threats posed by the Scandinavians, particularly in the kingdom of Wessex where Aelfred’s political manoeuvrings, military strategies and infrastructures became an effective counter to the Viking threat. Once the House of Wessex secured its power, Adams describes how its influence was extended and developed by Aelfred’s successors, detailing the ebb and flow of political and military fortunes in the face of continued Scandinavian interference within the insular kingdoms of Britain. Adams’ analysis suggests that in countering and containing Scandinavian influence the house of Wessex forged the foundation of a modern Britain and with the focus so centred on the rise of the House of Wessex it would be easy to view Aelfred’s Britain as an idealisation of Aelfred the Great.
It is the romanticism of Aelfred the Great as a great unifier of the English against foreign invaders that lurks behind Adams’ suggestion of disturbing parallels to the twenty first century where unease of new foreign incursions has sparked a conflagration of fear and anger across the political spectrum. Within this modern context Aelfred’s idealisation is a static construct an attractive symbology that speaks to the simple symbology of ‘us vs them’ useful in populist politics. Thankfully, the scholarly rigour shown throughout Aelfred’s Britain avoids this hyperbolic mythology and reveals a conclusion that suggests the foundation of modern Britain arose from the complex and dynamic interaction of cultures, peoples and states from across the European continent. This is perhaps best typified by the brief aside that links the spread of the epic poem Beowulf to its multicultural origins striking a chord with an audience immersed in ambiguous identities. For me, the reading of Aelfred’s Britain suggested a less disturbing parallel with the modern twenty first century, one that places the Viking age in an ongoing process of dynamic cultural interactions across the centuries.
With such a detailed analysis centred on political turmoil Aelfred’s Britain loses focus on the everyday lives of the people living in the Viking age. It is a slight criticism of the book as a whole as Adams provides tantalising titbits, such as the progressive nature of tenth century Welsh divorce proceedings that with more focus would illuminate life outside the orbit of Monarchs and rulers. Perhaps the most telling implication for the everyday people lies in the concluding pages that details a trader’s journey through Aelfred’s Britain showing that within dynamic multi-cultural interaction opportunities existed to make a profit.
Aelfred’s Britainis a massive book in size and scope and is perfect for those wishing to delve deep into the history and detail of a formative period in British history. Particularly helpful in this regard is that Max Adams has provided study aiding materials, including maps, timelines, appendices, family trees, notes and historical sources. Overall Aelfred’s Britain is an exhaustive, sometimes exhausting, but always informative and rewarding read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2020
Traversing Dark Age Britain on horse would be easier than finishing this book was. Abundant with superfluous information that detracts from any sense of historical narrative or continuity. Every single historical site or event is explored and debated to such a degree that I forgot what was being discussed by the time the paragraph ended. Also assumes a level of knowledge in British geography that I certainly could not provide. No doubt a fantastic resource for anybody already well-versed in this period of history. Otherwise, avoid.
May 11, 2020
While I gave this book a rating of 4 stars, the consensus rating of about 3.75 gives one a better sense of what I think of it. Part of this is expectations, in that while Adams does spend much time on conflict and friction between Vikings and the inhabitants of the British Isles, the original title of "Aelfred's Britain" gives one a better sense of what this book is about. This is as Adams' main goal is to put Aelfred into his context as simply being the most important ruler in an ever shifting constellation of very localized social entities, rather than being an anachronistic ruler of a unified kingdom. Also, while Adams does wear his learning quite lightly, this probably isn't the first book one should pick up on the topic. It's like a mosaic of what the current state of play suggests we can say about the period in question. One suspects the real audience are folks who had a good undergrad education in Medieval Europe about twenty years ago. Still, one does come away with the sense that the work is less than the sum of the parts.
November 15, 2018
Started about couldn’t finish and shelved it at 20%.
Picked the kindle version up in a 99p sale and was excited to get started being interested in both vikings and the early Middle Ages.
Sadly the book just wasn’t what I had expected or hoped it would be. The historical non-fiction I read is mainly focused on the human aspects of the subject so I was expecting to read about Ælfred, the heathen army .. what, we believe, actually happened.
This book was more what was there with lists and dry information on towns, trading hubs, churches/ministers, coastlines and landscapes. In fairness the title is ‘Ælfred’s Britain’ so Britain is the subject rather than Ælfred so I was pre-warned.
Overall the book was just to dry and academic for me to really appreciate on my morning commute so I’ll be shelving it to start something more engaging.
Picked the kindle version up in a 99p sale and was excited to get started being interested in both vikings and the early Middle Ages.
Sadly the book just wasn’t what I had expected or hoped it would be. The historical non-fiction I read is mainly focused on the human aspects of the subject so I was expecting to read about Ælfred, the heathen army .. what, we believe, actually happened.
This book was more what was there with lists and dry information on towns, trading hubs, churches/ministers, coastlines and landscapes. In fairness the title is ‘Ælfred’s Britain’ so Britain is the subject rather than Ælfred so I was pre-warned.
Overall the book was just to dry and academic for me to really appreciate on my morning commute so I’ll be shelving it to start something more engaging.
June 30, 2019
Everything we know about the early Middle Ages is seen through a glass darkly. The written sources are confused, the archaeology unclear, the evidence of place-names has caused countless arguments amongst scholars. In short, this is a time with more questions than answers.
Max Adams has a real gift for being able to help the reader peer through the confused recollection of the chroniclers and the mass of misleading archaeology, and distill current academic opinions and thinking on this time. Whether you are a first time visitor to the British Isles during the first Viking Age, or, like me, a repeat guest, 'Ælfred's Britain' is an excellent summary of what happened to transform the geopolitical makeup of these islands forever, and more importantly why it happened.
Max Adams has a real gift for being able to help the reader peer through the confused recollection of the chroniclers and the mass of misleading archaeology, and distill current academic opinions and thinking on this time. Whether you are a first time visitor to the British Isles during the first Viking Age, or, like me, a repeat guest, 'Ælfred's Britain' is an excellent summary of what happened to transform the geopolitical makeup of these islands forever, and more importantly why it happened.
February 23, 2021
First, I'll start with some aspects I didn't like about this book, or that bothered me, before getting into what I really appreciated. First, the title seems misleading, and the subtitle is much more on-point. In fact, I see that other editions of the book are called "Alfred's Britain," which is much more apropos. The focus is really on Alfred's rule over Wessex and environs, as well as his descendants. The "Vikings" matter only insomuch as they factor into that narrative.
Secondly, the "subway" maps seem misleading. I think the author meant them to illustrate the kind of "mental shorthand" the Norse used to maintain knowledge of the interior towns of Britain over the generations, but I think it's completely the wrong metaphor. Navigation in that day was all about natural features: mountains, rivers, valleys, forests, etc. In a subway map, all that matters are the stops--in fact, you have no idea "where" you really are geographically or in the natural world. Lastly--and this is a quibble--each chapter starts with the section headings all crammed together right after the chapter number, and then the section headings are not repeated at the section breaks. This is supremely unhelpful! I would love for the various subsections of the chapters to come with their subtitles conveniently attached, not 20 pages back at the beginning of the chapters. It would aide in comprehension as well.
Alright, that said, I deeply appreciated this book for several reasons. First and foremost, it helped me to realize just how deep the influence of Norse culture upon Britain was/is. Previously, I thought it was confined to some raids, overwintering, and a bit of marrying/commingling that might have accompanied that. Instead, the Norse set up entire towns, churches, and kingdoms, and held them for generations, permanently influencing the culture (and gene pool).
Secondly, though the book is a bit sprawling and meandering, some of that is necessitated by the subject, and the author is weaving a bit of a tapestry that gives a sense of the interplay of the many (many!) kingdoms that existed in Britain at the time. Beyond the obvious ones (Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria), there were many others: Dal Riata, Bernicia, Kent, and so many Welsh kingdoms (Powys, Gwynedd, Hwicce, Dyfed, etc.). Despite my complaint about the "subway map" above, there are some great maps (and illustrations) in the book, though I'm one who would love a map every other page. I gained a deep sense of the complex politics of early medieval Britain and the consolidation that slowly began in Alfred's reign.
Next, Adams gives a good sense of how these kingdoms operated, of the interrelations between military, religious, and economic considerations. Far beyond the usual summations of proto-feudalism, these mechanisms are described in-depth. Though I'm not sure the author described Alfred's "educational renaissance" as convincingly as he thinks he did, he did convey a clear sense of how Alfred strengthened the defense of the realm through a network of fortified towns and prepared Wessex for adequate defense against the militant Norse.
Lastly, given my Scottish background, I appreciated the early history of Alba, how the book set Scotland in the context of Pictland, the machinations of Alfred and the Norse, and the role that the Orkney and Shetland Islands play in the narrative. Far from being remote, these fertile islands were central to the Norse universe. Both in time and geography, this book re-centered my understanding of Scottish history.
And did I mentioned that there are many great photographs throughout the text? And also that the author is generous to other scholars, authors, and archaeologists in his footnotes, acknowledges his indebtedness and admits uncertainty where it exists (which is often). I would've loved more details about the battles and military tactics, but the author holds carefully to the primary sources and, well, they are usually extremely succinct on those matters.
Secondly, the "subway" maps seem misleading. I think the author meant them to illustrate the kind of "mental shorthand" the Norse used to maintain knowledge of the interior towns of Britain over the generations, but I think it's completely the wrong metaphor. Navigation in that day was all about natural features: mountains, rivers, valleys, forests, etc. In a subway map, all that matters are the stops--in fact, you have no idea "where" you really are geographically or in the natural world. Lastly--and this is a quibble--each chapter starts with the section headings all crammed together right after the chapter number, and then the section headings are not repeated at the section breaks. This is supremely unhelpful! I would love for the various subsections of the chapters to come with their subtitles conveniently attached, not 20 pages back at the beginning of the chapters. It would aide in comprehension as well.
Alright, that said, I deeply appreciated this book for several reasons. First and foremost, it helped me to realize just how deep the influence of Norse culture upon Britain was/is. Previously, I thought it was confined to some raids, overwintering, and a bit of marrying/commingling that might have accompanied that. Instead, the Norse set up entire towns, churches, and kingdoms, and held them for generations, permanently influencing the culture (and gene pool).
Secondly, though the book is a bit sprawling and meandering, some of that is necessitated by the subject, and the author is weaving a bit of a tapestry that gives a sense of the interplay of the many (many!) kingdoms that existed in Britain at the time. Beyond the obvious ones (Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria), there were many others: Dal Riata, Bernicia, Kent, and so many Welsh kingdoms (Powys, Gwynedd, Hwicce, Dyfed, etc.). Despite my complaint about the "subway map" above, there are some great maps (and illustrations) in the book, though I'm one who would love a map every other page. I gained a deep sense of the complex politics of early medieval Britain and the consolidation that slowly began in Alfred's reign.
Next, Adams gives a good sense of how these kingdoms operated, of the interrelations between military, religious, and economic considerations. Far beyond the usual summations of proto-feudalism, these mechanisms are described in-depth. Though I'm not sure the author described Alfred's "educational renaissance" as convincingly as he thinks he did, he did convey a clear sense of how Alfred strengthened the defense of the realm through a network of fortified towns and prepared Wessex for adequate defense against the militant Norse.
Lastly, given my Scottish background, I appreciated the early history of Alba, how the book set Scotland in the context of Pictland, the machinations of Alfred and the Norse, and the role that the Orkney and Shetland Islands play in the narrative. Far from being remote, these fertile islands were central to the Norse universe. Both in time and geography, this book re-centered my understanding of Scottish history.
And did I mentioned that there are many great photographs throughout the text? And also that the author is generous to other scholars, authors, and archaeologists in his footnotes, acknowledges his indebtedness and admits uncertainty where it exists (which is often). I would've loved more details about the battles and military tactics, but the author holds carefully to the primary sources and, well, they are usually extremely succinct on those matters.
December 12, 2021
Read: Oct - Dec 2021
The amount of knowledge and the level of research involved in writing this book deserves 5 stars. However it wasn't what I was expecting; I picked up Aelfred's Britain fresh from watching The Last Kingdom and keen to learn more about what life was really like for King Alfred and his contemporaries. I had hoped for a lively, descriptive read that would allow me to be fully immersed in the time period, but instead it read like a historical textbook - dry and academic.
Not great but not terrible either - 3/5 stars
The amount of knowledge and the level of research involved in writing this book deserves 5 stars. However it wasn't what I was expecting; I picked up Aelfred's Britain fresh from watching The Last Kingdom and keen to learn more about what life was really like for King Alfred and his contemporaries. I had hoped for a lively, descriptive read that would allow me to be fully immersed in the time period, but instead it read like a historical textbook - dry and academic.
Not great but not terrible either - 3/5 stars
October 1, 2023
Adams' love for English culture is clear as he paints a nuanced scene of England, Ireland, the Picts, and Welsh, along with the "Newton's Cradle" of cultural clash and assimilation over more than 150 years.
This gives a more historical account of much of the game AC: Valhalla, if you're into that.
This gives a more historical account of much of the game AC: Valhalla, if you're into that.
September 28, 2025
Interesting information on the Viking invasion of England and Ireland. Raids, then settlements - although a lot of the times it seemed they were occurring simultaneously. Well written and well worth reading. Includes maps, pictures and genealogies of the rulers of the different sections of Britain.
October 7, 2020
I found it very readable and interesting, although anyone not familiar with the period is probably wise to start elsewhere. Adams sheds some new light on happenings in 9th and 10th century Britain, and suggests some alternative interpretations of the evidence. And as always, Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians, kicks ass.
December 29, 2018
This was readable, informative and enjoyable. I realised I know little about the historical environment in this period (a bit later than I usually look at). I like the arrangement of material, which I thought was very helpful to a non-specialist reader. It was a joy to be reading it while the British Library Anglo-Saxon exhibition was on.
April 21, 2019
Interesting. Primarily an archeological and chronicle analysis. Seeks to refute the idea that a national movement toward "England" started at this time. I have more questions about the minsters.
February 26, 2019
This book suffered from getting too much into the minutia of history to the detriment of the overall narrative. While incredibly well researched and comprehensive, the scope of history and drama is often lost.
September 20, 2020
Lots to consume but can be difficult at times to understand the geography when not a British native. More maps would have helped. The pacing was a bit uneven with deep dives for some parts and quick hits for others.
August 21, 2023
"The Viking Wars" by Max Adams is a historical account of the Viking Age and the Viking invasions that occurred during the ninth and tenth centuries. The book provides a detailed analysis of the political, social, and cultural factors that led to the Viking expansion and their eventual decline.
The book commences by providing a comprehensive overview of the origins of the Vikings, detailing how their society was structured and the factors that influenced their development. It then proceeds to delve into the Viking Age, exploring the Viking invasions of not only England and Ireland, but also other parts of Europe, such as France and Spain. The book provides a meticulously researched and in-depth account of the Viking raids, including their tactics and strategies, and how they impacted the societies they attacked. Furthermore, the book touches upon the Viking's legacy, analyzing how their influence can still be seen today in modern-day Scandinavian culture and beyond.
In addition to his analysis of the Viking Age, Max Adams delves further into the political and cultural aspects that played a role in its development. Through his research, he has found evidence supporting the idea that the rise of centralized states in Scandinavia during the 8th and 9th centuries provided the perfect breeding ground for the Viking Age to flourish. This was due, in part, to the fact that these centralized states were able to fund and support long-distance trade and exploration, which was essential for the Vikings to embark on their famous voyages.
Furthermore, Adams explores the technological advancements that were crucial in the Vikings' success. For example, their shipbuilding techniques allowed them to build vessels that were both fast and maneuverable, enabling them to explore new territories and launch surprise attacks. Additionally, their mastery of ironworking allowed them to create weapons and armor that were superior to those of their enemies.
In terms of the Vikings' impact on the societies they encountered, Adams argues that their influence extended far beyond just the physical damage they caused. For example, the spread of Christianity throughout Scandinavia can be attributed, in part, to the Vikings' interactions with Christian communities during their travels. Additionally, Viking culture had a profound impact on European art and literature, with many works from this time period featuring Viking themes and motifs.
Overall, Max Adams' comprehensive study of the Viking Age sheds new light on this fascinating period in history, highlighting the complex political, cultural, and technological factors that contributed to its development and examining its far-reaching impact on the world as we know it today.
Overall, "The Viking Wars" provides a comprehensive overview of the Viking Age and the impact of the Vikings on European history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Middle Ages and the Viking Age in particular.
The book commences by providing a comprehensive overview of the origins of the Vikings, detailing how their society was structured and the factors that influenced their development. It then proceeds to delve into the Viking Age, exploring the Viking invasions of not only England and Ireland, but also other parts of Europe, such as France and Spain. The book provides a meticulously researched and in-depth account of the Viking raids, including their tactics and strategies, and how they impacted the societies they attacked. Furthermore, the book touches upon the Viking's legacy, analyzing how their influence can still be seen today in modern-day Scandinavian culture and beyond.
In addition to his analysis of the Viking Age, Max Adams delves further into the political and cultural aspects that played a role in its development. Through his research, he has found evidence supporting the idea that the rise of centralized states in Scandinavia during the 8th and 9th centuries provided the perfect breeding ground for the Viking Age to flourish. This was due, in part, to the fact that these centralized states were able to fund and support long-distance trade and exploration, which was essential for the Vikings to embark on their famous voyages.
Furthermore, Adams explores the technological advancements that were crucial in the Vikings' success. For example, their shipbuilding techniques allowed them to build vessels that were both fast and maneuverable, enabling them to explore new territories and launch surprise attacks. Additionally, their mastery of ironworking allowed them to create weapons and armor that were superior to those of their enemies.
In terms of the Vikings' impact on the societies they encountered, Adams argues that their influence extended far beyond just the physical damage they caused. For example, the spread of Christianity throughout Scandinavia can be attributed, in part, to the Vikings' interactions with Christian communities during their travels. Additionally, Viking culture had a profound impact on European art and literature, with many works from this time period featuring Viking themes and motifs.
Overall, Max Adams' comprehensive study of the Viking Age sheds new light on this fascinating period in history, highlighting the complex political, cultural, and technological factors that contributed to its development and examining its far-reaching impact on the world as we know it today.
Overall, "The Viking Wars" provides a comprehensive overview of the Viking Age and the impact of the Vikings on European history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Middle Ages and the Viking Age in particular.
January 4, 2025
Max Adams is an archaeologist and writer specialising in Early Medieval Britain (that is, between the departure of Rome in 410, to the Norman Conquest) . His other books include The First Kingdom (on the early English Settlements); The King in the North (on the life and times of Oswald of Northumbria) and In The Land of Giants (a travel journey through the early Medieval landscapes of Britain. Aelfred's Britain deals with the Viking Age, between the very end of the eight century and the middle of the tenth, when the very beginnings of what we might recognise as English, Scots and Welsh identities were forged in response to the depredations of the Danes and the Norse. He tells a compelling story from archaeology and written sources -- the often partial accounts of the Anglo Saxon Chronicle and others -- to draw a picture of how a countryside of scattered farmsteads slowly evolved into villages and small towns; how early medieval ideas of rule and kingship were rather different from what later nationalist ideas of history would paint; and most of all how the politics, wars and economics of early Medieval Britain were shaped by the landscape, of navigable rivers criss-crossed by the network of Roman roads and earlier cross-country routes. This is important, given that the modern world, with its concentration on cities and fast routes by road, rail and air, ignores the landscape altogether. There is one telling passage in which Adams reveals that an archaeological site of interest is now obscured by a modern motorway interchange. An ancient sense of place has been destroyed by the needs of people to go somewhere else. The lives of people in what we used to call the 'dark ages' were indeed dark, forever scarred by endemic violence and disease. Yet, at the same time, one can't help but feel a little nostalgic.
March 1, 2025
The final book in the quartet of what may be my favourite set of history books of all time. Just as detailed, insightful, sweeping, and creative as the last three. Fantastic as per usual. Max Adams simply doesn't disappoint. I can't get into the niche Anglo-Saxon history right here in the review, but if you ever have a desire to know a disturbing amount about Early Medieval Britain, read this, and read this series.
I'll have to keep this short, otherwise I'll just ramble on forever. Essentially covering the reign of Alfred the Great, and his immediate successors, Ælfred’s Britain is a chronicle of roughly a century of British history, and upends many of the established misconceptions of the era. No, the Vikings were not invincible. No, the Saxons were not as united, Christian, or useless as often portrayed. No, the average peasant didn't live in abject squalor. No, London wasn't real (that's a whole thing, btw).
Amidst the Chronicle, Max Adams puts some legitimately fascinating and creative reinterpretations of certain elements of the North Sea-World. Showing the travel routes as a subway maps! Contextualizing constant tributes to and resettlement of the Vikings as essentially paying protection money. Everything from politics to pottery is subject to some form of entertaining, interesting retelling. Every piece of information we have on the era, textual, archaeological, linguistic, is incorporated.
As a warning, this is essentially a scholarly book, written by an acclaimed scholar. I find him entertaining, but I'm also insane. Don't read this if you're scared of a few footnotes.
Fantastic. Fascinating. I have no complaints. 5/5.
I'll have to keep this short, otherwise I'll just ramble on forever. Essentially covering the reign of Alfred the Great, and his immediate successors, Ælfred’s Britain is a chronicle of roughly a century of British history, and upends many of the established misconceptions of the era. No, the Vikings were not invincible. No, the Saxons were not as united, Christian, or useless as often portrayed. No, the average peasant didn't live in abject squalor. No, London wasn't real (that's a whole thing, btw).
Amidst the Chronicle, Max Adams puts some legitimately fascinating and creative reinterpretations of certain elements of the North Sea-World. Showing the travel routes as a subway maps! Contextualizing constant tributes to and resettlement of the Vikings as essentially paying protection money. Everything from politics to pottery is subject to some form of entertaining, interesting retelling. Every piece of information we have on the era, textual, archaeological, linguistic, is incorporated.
As a warning, this is essentially a scholarly book, written by an acclaimed scholar. I find him entertaining, but I'm also insane. Don't read this if you're scared of a few footnotes.
Fantastic. Fascinating. I have no complaints. 5/5.
February 12, 2020
This is a solid book. There's a broad range of facts in here. For a start, it doesn't just see England, but brings in the rest of the island to a greater or much lesser degree. In fairness, the other kingdoms play second fiddle to Wessex, but that's still an improvement over many books. Another thing about the range is that this isn't just an account of kings, jarls and heres. It talks of towns, land, the church and law. It has a very nice feeling of completeness to it. The final comment about the range of scholarship is that it goes all of the way up to Edgar. After Æthelstan a lot of books call it a day, but instead, this is still going all the way to the death of Eadred.
The writing style is engaging and the pages fly by, despite just how much information there is on each one. Adams has read widely and he quotes recent studies, rather than the likes of Stenton. I like that. He's got a a great understanding of the period and manages to fit everything together in a coherent way. The tube style map is a superb idea and really shows the possibilities of travel.
On the downside, it's a long book and despite being an easy read, it'll take you a week or so to finish it. One thing I'm very unhappy about is that there is a re-titled version of this book called The Viking Wars – it's the same book as this. I've not fallen into the trap of buying it, but someone will. Don't be that person.
The writing style is engaging and the pages fly by, despite just how much information there is on each one. Adams has read widely and he quotes recent studies, rather than the likes of Stenton. I like that. He's got a a great understanding of the period and manages to fit everything together in a coherent way. The tube style map is a superb idea and really shows the possibilities of travel.
On the downside, it's a long book and despite being an easy read, it'll take you a week or so to finish it. One thing I'm very unhappy about is that there is a re-titled version of this book called The Viking Wars – it's the same book as this. I've not fallen into the trap of buying it, but someone will. Don't be that person.
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