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by G. K. Chesterton (Author)
This stirring narrative poem brings to life the legendary struggle of King Alfred the Great against the Danish invasions that threatened Saxon England. At its center stands the decisive Battle of Ethandune (Edington), where the fate of a kingdom-and the future of Christian England-hangs in the balance.
Blending history, legend, and spiritual reflection, the poem portrays a moment of profound crisis. Driven into exile and uncertainty, Alfred must find the strength to unite his people and confront the invading forces that seem destined to prevail. The conflict becomes more than a struggle for land and power; it is a deeper battle between faith and despair, courage and doubt.
Drawing on the grand tradition of epic storytelling-from Homer and Virgil to Beowulf-the work reflects on the timeless values that shape human history: sacrifice, loyalty, perseverance, and belief in the face of overwhelming odds. Through vivid imagery and powerful dialogue, the struggle of one king becomes a universal story of endurance and hope.
Both dramatic and contemplative, this memorable poem remains one of the most admired achievements of English narrative poetry and continues to inspire readers with its vision of steadfast courage in times of darkness.
Large Print Edition.
LARGE PRINT EDITION
