A detailed and fascinating biography of an important figure in world history. Alfred was the first King of the West Saxons to style himself "King of the English". Author Jacob Abbott was the celebrated author of the "Makers of History" series of historical biographies. His stated aim in writing biographies of historical figures was "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."