Asser's Life of King Alfred: Together with the Annals of Saint Neots, Erroneously Ascribed to Asser

As king of Wessex, he strove to emulate those kings of the past who, in his own words, had 'succeeded both in warfare & in wisdom'. He led the battle against the Viking invaders of England, & presided over the revival of religion & learning among his people: his reputation is a measure of his success.