Rating:
I don’t read to many history books, for fear they will read like history books. The White Horse King caught my eye because I do enjoy reading about England’s history, about Kings and Queens, and battles that were fought. The White Horse King is a well written book about the life of Alfred, the only king in the history of England to earn the title “the Great.”
Benjamin Merkle does a wonderful job in telling the story of the only Great King of English history. The White Horse King did not read like a history book, instead you felt like you sat down to hear a wonderful story told of a great man who changed the course of history.
Under the leadership of King Alfred, he united the Anglo-Saxon England against the brutal Danish vikings, created a reformed legal system (some used still today), laid the ground work for Christian revival, and fanned the passion of literature and arts. This was all done during one of the most difficult periods in English history. Alfred was known as a King who never quit, even when all the cards were stacked against him. He lived the saying, “If God is for me, who could possibly defeat me?” While reading about Alfred’s boyhood, readers can see how God was laying the foundation of wisdom and knowledge that Alfred would put to great use, in one of the darkest of times of English history.
If you are like me and don’t read to many history books, this is one you do not want to miss. You will come away with a great appreciation of what King Alfred accomplished. And in an age of pagan Vikings, merciless bloodshed, what comes through is King Alfred’s love for God and his desire to convert these pagan Vikings. He was a King that was not after revenge (which was very popular in his time), but a King of grace, mercy, and compassion towards his enemies. There is one story of a Viking convert that will warm your heart. Be sure to add The White Horse King to your reading list!
About:
Benjamin R. Merkle is a Fellow of Theology and Classical Languages at New Saint Andrews College and a Contributing Editor to Credenda/Agenda. He received an MA in English Literature from the University of Idaho, an MSt in Jewish Studies at the University of Oxford, and is currently pursuing his doctorate at the University of Oxford.
FTC Disclosure: Special thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me a review copy of The White Horse King by Benjamin Merkle
