Reviews

In ninth century England King Alfred of Wessex gathered an army which permanently halted a Viking invasion that had devastated the country. For this, as well as his devotion to literature, he is known as Alfred the Great. This novel tells his story from childhood, through marriage to his beloved Elswyth, battles with the murderous Northmen, and finally his defeat of them in 878. It is unfortuante, though, that this rousing period in British history is treated in such a plodding, dull manner. Although the historical events are competently described, the passion and vibrancy that pervaded these times are completely missing.-- Patricia Altner, Dept. of Defense, Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C.

At the outset of this powerfully wrought historical romance set in ninth-century Britain, Wolf lists her Anglo-Saxon characters, at least half of whose names begin with ``Ethel.'' It's an aid readers will often turn to as the action-packed plot develops. Alfred, dubbed by history ``the Great,'' succeeds to the kingdom of Wessex on the death of his beloved brother, Ethelred. He is aided in his struggle against the invading pagan Danes by his haughty young wife, Elswyth, of the kingdom of Mercia. As warrior-king, Alfred establishes a governmental system; as Latinist, he translates the poetry and classics that become the foundation of English literature; as a Christian he puts into practice the principles to which he was devoted. Around Alfred's magnificent defense of the English nation, Wolf ( Born of the Sun ) weaves convincing subplots of passionate love and betrayal that embellish the bare bones of history. (Aug.)