The White Horse King

The Life of Alfred the Great

By: Ben Merkle

Narrated by: Joffre Swait

The unlikely king who saved England.

Down swept the Vikings from the frigid North. Across the English coastlands and countryside they raided, torched, murdered, and destroyed all in their path. Farmers, monks, and soldiers all fell bloody under the Viking sword, hammer, and axe.

Then, when the hour was most desperate, came an unlikely hero. King Alfred rallied the battered and bedraggled kingdoms of Britain and after decades of plotting, praying, and persisting, finally triumphed over the invaders.

Alfred's victory reverberates to this day: He sparked a literary renaissance, restructured Britain's roadways, revised the legal codes, and revived Christian learning and worship. It was Alfred's accomplishments that laid the groundwork for Britian's later glories and triumphs in literature, liturgy, and liberty.

©2009 Thomas Nelson (P)2024 Canon Press

The mythical and humble portrayal of a selfless leader

Merkle weaves a great historiography of this often forgotten character in history. It is no wonder that Alfred the Great is a saint in many Christian cultures. While Merkle’s voice performance leaves much to be desired I deeply admire how I can listen to the voice of the author.

History come to life

This book brings history to life! It awakens your heart to live and die for christ.

Great history and execution of the storytelling

This was very enjoyable to listen to. I like factual history when told with an agreeable pace, and just enough flare and pizazz. This did not have much of the latter most, but I don't need much of that to be hooked.
the best part was the pace of the story. quite agreeable for my taste.

Great Book for Men

This is a great historical account of the life of King Alfred! Worth the read if you’re interested in Christian Heroism.