Alfred in the Chroniclers. By Edward Conybeare. (Elliot Stock. 7s.
6d.)—Mr. Conybeare wishes to give English read. s a picture of the great King as he is described by Assets his con- temporary, and by the chroniclers who probably had access to early tra iitions. He begins with an introductory sketch, in which he summarises the early history of the English people, the divided rule, the unification under Egbert, and the Danish invasions, thus bringing his readers down to Alfred's time. The Danish ships were first seen in 787; less than half a century after, when Egbert had just asserted his.supremacy, they began the incessant attacks which ended in the establishment of a Danish dynasty. In another half-century or thereabouts came Alfred's reign, which Mr. Conybeare relates in outline. This he follows up by a transcript of Asser's life, by quotations from the " Anglo-s axon Chronicle," from Ethelwerd (1,000 circa), Simeon of Durham, William of Malmesbury, Roger of Wendover, and others.
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