The Literary Contributions Of King Alfred The Great
Our understanding of the literary achievements of King Alfred
depend very much upon what we believe about his early education. If we are
content to accept the stories of Asser, the famous biographer of Alfred,
that he reached his twelfth birthday before he learned to read (Keynes 75),
then we must reckon his literary career as a phenomenon which can only be
described, not explained. Or, if that is not satisfactory, we may compare
him in his adult life to his grandfather's (Egbert) contemporary Charles
the Bald (grandson of Charlemange), who, being illiterate, knew the value
of learning, and surrounded himself with educated men (Collins 297).
As a child Alfred received little formal ...
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his mother and repeated the entire book
from memory to her (Fadiman 14, Keynes 75). This talent was the foundation
of Alfred's later reputation as a scholar, translator, and patron of
learning.
As Alfred's role as king and patron began, he solemnly noted on
several occasions his disappointment in the state of educational
opportunity in England. "Formerly," the King wrote bitterly, "men came
hither from foreign lands to seek for instruction, and now when we desire
it we can only obtain it from abroad" (Collins 329, Smyth 249-250). But
his efforts were far from being imprisoned within his own island. He sent
shipmasters to the seas and coasts of the continent and surrounding islands
in search of dialogue with others.
It was with the Franks, from central Europe (present day Germany,
France, and surrounding countries), that his dealings were closest, and it
was from them that he invited scholars to aid him in his work of education.
A scholar named Grimbald came from St. Omer to ...
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He enriched Orosius by sketching
new geographical discoveries in the north of England and Scandinavia. He
gave a West Saxon form to his selections from Bede. In one place he stops
to explain his theory of government, his wish for a thicker population, his
conception of national welfare as consisting in a due balance of priest,
soldier, and peasant (Keynes 132-133, Smyth 530-534). And the cold
providence of Boethius gave way to Alfred's enthusiastic acknowledgment of
the goodness of God (Keynes 137, Smyth 562-566).
As he writes, his large-hearted nature casts aside its royal mantle,
and he talks as a man to men. "Do not blame me," he states with charming
simplicity, "if any know ...
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"The Literary Contributions Of King Alfred The Great." Essayworld.com. August 14, 2007. Accessed November 28, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Literary-Contributions-King-Alfred-Great/69552.
"The Literary Contributions Of King Alfred The Great." Essayworld.com. August 14, 2007. Accessed November 28, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Literary-Contributions-King-Alfred-Great/69552.
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