He was as great in peace as in war; and yet few English boys know more than a faint outline of the events of Alfred's reign--events which have exercised an influence upon the whole future of the English people.

School histories pass briefly over them; and the incident of the burned cake is that which is, of all the actions of a great and glorious reign, the most prominent in boys' minds.

In this story I have tried to supply the deficiency.

Fortunately in the Saxon Chronicles and in the life of King Alfred written by his friend and counsellor Asser, we have a trustworthy account of the events and battles which first laid Wessex prostrate beneath the foot of the Danes, and finally freed England for many years from the invaders.

These histories I have faithfully followed.