The <i>Vita Alcuini</i>, Asser and Scholarly Service at the Court of Alfred the Great
Rebecca Thomas
Abstract Asser’s Life of King Alfred, a biography Alfred the Great composed by Welsh monk from St David’s in 893, is key source for understanding connections between ninth-century Britain and Continent. draws on variety continental sources, most famous widely discussed being Einhard’s Vita Karoli. This article examines parallels another, more obscure, source, anonymous Alcuini, text which has received little scholarly attention. Unlike many his Carolingian counterparts, features himself as major character, providing an account journey to Alfred’s service. It been noted various scholars that this autobiographical section bears great similarity Alcuini’s description Alcuin entering service Charlemagne. provides thorough examination two texts, assessing possibility connection, investigating implications our Asser agenda. As there no manuscript evidence Alcuini ever made it Britain, study potential transform its transmission readership early Middle Ages, illuminating further connection England continent ninth century.
The English Historical Review|Apollo (University of Cambridge)