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Author Pratt, David, 1973-

Title The political thought of King Alfred the Great / David Pratt
Published Cambridge [UK] ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2007
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Description 1 online resource (xv, 413 pages)
Series Cambridge studies in medieval life and thought ; 4th ser., 67
Cambridge studies in medieval life and thought ; 4th ser., 67.
Contents Resources and extraction -- Royal lordship and secular office-holding -- Royal lordship and ecclesiastical office-holding -- The articulation of power under King Alfred's predecessors -- The impact of the Vikings -- The field of Alfredian knowledge -- The construction of Alfredian discourse -- Alfredian technology : books and Ædificia -- The Hierdeboc as a treatise of power -- The Domboc as a reorientation of royal law -- Tribulation and triumph in the first fifty psalms -- The search for a satisfactory consolation -- Seeing God as he is -- Conclusion -- Appendix : West Frankish deployment of Solomon's dream
Summary This book is a comprehensive study of political thought at the court of King Alfred the Great (871-99). It explains the extraordinary burst of royal learned activity focused on inventive translations from Latin into Old English attributed to Alfred's own authorship. A full exploration of context establishes these texts as part of a single discourse which placed Alfred himself at the heart of all rightful power and authority. A major theme is the relevance of Frankish and other European experiences, as sources of expertise and shared concerns, and for important contrasts with Alfredian thought and behaviour. Part I assesses Alfred's rule against West Saxon structures, showing the centrality of the royal household in the operation of power. Part II offers an intimate analysis of the royal texts, developing far-reaching implications for Alfredian kingship, communication and court culture. Comparative in approach, the book places Alfred's reign at the forefront of wider European trends in aristocratic life
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 357-394) and indexes
Notes Print version record
Subject Alfred, King of England, 849-899 -- Political and social views
SUBJECT Alfred, King of England, 849-899 fast
Alfred, kung av England, 849-899 -- politiska och sociala åsikter. sao
Alfred (England, König) swd
Subject Anglo-Saxons -- Kings and rulers.
Monarchy -- England -- History -- To 1500
HISTORY -- Europe -- Great Britain.
Anglo-Saxons -- Kings and rulers
Monarchy
Political and social views
Politics and government
Politische Theorie
Politieke ontwikkeling.
Politieke ideeën.
SUBJECT Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 449-1066. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85056870
Great Britain -- History -- Alfred, 871-899. http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85056733
Subject England
Great Britain
Engeland.
Genre/Form History
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9780511290404
0511290403
9780511495595
0511495595