When the BBC conducted the Greatest Briton poll in 2002, Alfred the Great was the only king to make it into the top 20. One can be sure that the story of the cakes left to burn in a Somerset hovel by a disguised monarch on the run was much of what the voters knew about him. This brilliant book offers a memorable portrait of a great ruler and the myths that grew around him. A little over a century ago, the only English king to be called 'the Great' could attract crowds of thousands to commemorate him. Now, even the most ...
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When the BBC conducted the Greatest Briton poll in 2002, Alfred the Great was the only king to make it into the top 20. One can be sure that the story of the cakes left to burn in a Somerset hovel by a disguised monarch on the run was much of what the voters knew about him. This brilliant book offers a memorable portrait of a great ruler and the myths that grew around him. A little over a century ago, the only English king to be called 'the Great' could attract crowds of thousands to commemorate him. Now, even the most famous (and famously false) story about him, the burning of the cakes, is probably just a memory of 1066 and All That. This book shows how the Alfred of myth and the Alfred of history have become inextricably linked. For a long time, the legend of the burnt cakes was one of dozens of stories that were associated with the King and his time, from disguising himself as a minstrel to introducing the jury system. Alfred's historical achievements - saving his kingdom from invasion, attempting both to expand and educate his realm ?- and the way his story was told from the beginning, combined to make him the founding mythic figure of England. In stripping away the myths, historians have left an Alfred whose place in the popular imagination has all but vanished. This book attempts to recover a popular Alfred, understanding how he came to be 'Great', and how much myth had to do with that. A launch title in the new Profiles in History series, edited by Mary Beard. This series explores classic moments of world history- those 'ring-a-bell' events that we always know less about than we think!
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Add this copy of Why Alfred Burned the Cakes: a King and His Eleven to cart. $16.99, very good condition, Sold by Brit Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milton Keynes, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2006 by Profile Books.
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Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
Add this copy of Why Alfred Burned the Cakes: a King and His Eleven to cart. $18.20, very good condition, Sold by Greener Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from London, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2007 by Profile.
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Very good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
Add this copy of Why Alfred Burned the Cakes: a King and His Eleven to cart. $18.41, very good condition, Sold by M Godding Books Ltd rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Devizes, WILTS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2006 by Profile Books.
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Very Good. Very Good Jacket. Size: 7x1x10; Posted within 1 working day. 1st class tracked post to the UK, Airmail tracked worldwide. Robust recyclable packaging.
Add this copy of Why Alfred Burned the Cakes to cart. $33.86, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Profile Books.
