Originally published in 1849, this work is a non-fiction children's history book focussing on the life and times of Alfred the Great. Jacob Abbot produced many books, most notably his 'Rollo' series, which aimed to instruct young people in moral virtues as well as to keep them entertained. This publication, however, is a part of his 'Makers of History' series that details the lives of important historical figures. We are also republishing this work with a brand new introductory biography of the author. Here is the author's preface to the series explaining its aims: 'It is the object of this series of histories to present a clear, distinct, and connected narrative of the lives of those great personages who have in various ages of the world made themselves celebrated as leaders among mankind, and, by the part they have taken in the public affairs of great nations, have exerted the widest influence on the history of the human race. The end which the author has had in view is twofold: first, to communicate such information in respect to the subjects of his narratives as is important for the general reader to possess; and, secondly, to draw such moral lessons from the events described and the characters delineated as they may legitimately teach to the people of the present age. Though written in a direct and simple style, they are intended for, and addressed to, minds possessed of some considerable degree of maturity, for such minds only can fully appreciate the character and action which exhibits itself, as nearly all that is described in these volumes does, in close combination with the conduct and policy of governments, and the great events of international history.