Originally published in 1849, this work is a non-fiction children's
history book focussing on the life and times of Alfred the Great. Jacob
Abbot produced many books, most notably his 'Rollo' series, which aimed
to instruct young people in moral virtues as well as to keep them
entertained. This publication, however, is a part of his 'Makers of
History' series that details the lives of important historical figures.
We are also republishing this work with a brand new introductory
biography of the author. Here is the author's preface to the series
explaining its aims: 'It is the object of this series of histories to
present a clear, distinct, and connected narrative of the lives of those
great personages who have in various ages of the world made themselves
celebrated as leaders among mankind, and, by the part they have taken in
the public affairs of great nations, have exerted the widest influence
on the history of the human race. The end which the author has had in
view is twofold: first, to communicate such information in respect to
the subjects of his narratives as is important for the general reader to
possess; and, secondly, to draw such moral lessons from the events
described and the characters delineated as they may legitimately teach
to the people of the present age. Though written in a direct and simple
style, they are intended for, and addressed to, minds possessed of some
considerable degree of maturity, for such minds only can fully
appreciate the character and action which exhibits itself, as nearly all
that is described in these volumes does, in close combination with the
conduct and policy of governments, and the great events of international
history.'
