Alfred the Great. By Jesse Page. (Partridge and Co. 2s.)—
Mr. Page has written, in anticipation of the approaching mil- lenary, what will be found a useful account of the great English King. He has, we think, made a mistake in following too ism plicitly the leading of Asser. There is, we believe, no doubt that the Life, attributed to this writer, has been largely interpolated. The passage about the reproof administered by St. Neot to the King has a suspicious appearance, and with it falls the theory. which certainly has nothing else to recommend it, that Alfred's retirenient to Athelney was prompted by a feeling of penitence. Why should the King have sought to make amends for a fault by neglecting his duty ? Surely it is more reasonable to suppose that it VMS a case of remller pour mieuz sauter. Apart from this, we do not see anything in the book that calls for adverse criticism, and much that is likely to be of service.
Previous page
