Books Review: The Kings of Wessex/Alfred's Dynasty

 One of the perks of being published by Amberley Books is being sent titles to review, and these two could not be more up my street.

I had the immense privilege of receiving a very early copy of Michael John Key's new book, The Kings of Wessex: from Cerdic to Alfred and as I say on my cover endorsement for this new work, 'With a thorough examination of the primary sources, Michael John Key presents an insightful, comprehensive and very readable account of this lesser-known portion of West Saxon history.'

Having read both of the author's previous books, Edward the Elder and The Godwins, I was sure I was in safe hands.

This really is a fantastic guide to the period, covering the Germanic migrations, the origins of the West Saxons and the Gewisse, and providing chapters on all of the West Saxon kings from Cerdic through to Alfred the Great. As I said in my own recent book, the early history of the kingdom of the West Saxons is difficult sometimes to fathom, and Key has done an excellent job of rounding up all the available sources, analysing them, and presenting a lively and very readable account. The book will be published by Amberley on 15th June, 2025.

Meanwhile, the paperback edition of WB Bartlett's Alfred's Dynasty: How an Anglo-Saxon King and his Family Defeated the Vikings and Created England was released by Amberley on 15th May, 2025 and once again, having read an earlier book by this author, Vikings: a History of the Northmen, I was sure it would be a compelling and well-researched volume, and it is. It begins with a wonderful summary of the period leading up to the succession of Ecgberht (Alfred's grandfather) which will have those familiar with the period nodding in agreement and those to whom this subject is new learning from a very accessible and balanced overview. Thereafter, we run through the various rulers who were all descended from Ecgberht, who founded the dynasty which so many other Anglo-Saxon kings had hoped but failed to do.

Once again, this is well-balanced and expertly presented summary of the rule of Ecgberht, his descendants, and of the impact of the 'Viking' incursions. It is a political history, so the focus is very much on the kings, rather than the broader governance of the kingdom.

Inevitably there is a slight overlap with these two books, but I would strongly recommend them both.

[My own book from Amberley, Murder in Anglo-Saxon England: Justice, Wergild, Revenge is also widely available]