Book
The Dragon and the Raven
First published 1886
A young Saxon grows to manhood during the reign of Alfred the Great, when Danish armies threaten the survival of Wessex and much of England is already under Viking control. Raids, shifting strongholds and the need to move quickly between land and sea make war a constant part of ordinary life.
The protagonist joins the struggle around Alfred and experiences both defeat and recovery as Wessex rebuilds its resistance. The novel places personal adventure inside the larger contest that preserves Alfred’s kingdom and helps create the political foundations from which a more unified England will emerge. Viking ships, fortified settlements and changing alliances make the conflict one of endurance as much as battlefield victory.
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