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Aethelstan
The First King of England
Series: The English Monarchs Series
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Check link for latest rating. ( 332 ratings, 46 reviews)
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See moreIn this nuanced portrait of Athelstan, Sarah Foot offers the first full account of the king ever written.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
Æthelstan was perhaps the most important king of tenth-century England, but we know very little about him, and he has no modern biography. Sarah Foot triumphantly fills this gap and adds to the richness of our understanding of the period in a way that few others have managed."—Chris Wickham, author of The Inheritance Of Rome
The powerful and innovative King Æthelstan reigned only briefly (924-939), yet his achievements during those eventful fifteen years changed the course of English history. He won spectacular military victories (most notably at Brunanburh), forged unprecedented political connections across Europe, and succeeded in creating the first unified kingdom of the English. To claim for him the title of "first English monarch" is no exaggeration.
In this nuanced portrait of Æthelstan, Sarah Foot offers the first full account of the king ever written. She traces his life through the various spheres in which he lived and worked, beginning with the intimate context of his family, then extending outward to his unusual multiethnic royal court, the Church and his kingdom, the wars he conducted, and finally his death and legacy. Foot describes a sophisticated man who was not only a great military leader but also a worthy king. He governed brilliantly, developed creative ways to project his image as a ruler, and devised strategic marriage treaties and gift exchanges to cement alliances with the leading royal and ducal houses of Europe.
Æthelstan's legacy, seen in the new light of this masterful biography, is inextricably connected to the very forging of England and early English identity.
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Sarah Foot's biography of Aethelstan is widely praised for its detailed and empathetic portrayal of the English ruler, bringing him vividly to life. Critics commend the book's insightful exploration of a formative period in British history, showcasing Aethelstan's spiritual, intellectual, and martial achievements. Writing with clarity and depth, Foot constructs a compelling and nuanced depiction of the king, making it essential reading for those interested in this historical era.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780300187717
Publisher: Yale University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 14 September 2012
Country: United States
Imprint: Yale University Press
Illustration: 16 pp. b-w illus. + 3 maps
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 156.0mm
Height: 235.0mm
Weight: 526g
Pages: 304
About the Author
Sarah Foot is Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Christ Church, Oxford, and a foremost scholar of tenth-century history.
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