Professor William Campbell visited the McConnell Center this past August. Although trained in Economics, his knowledge of English history was impressive. He spoke with us about Alfred the Great. The only English monarch to be given the epithet "the Great".
Alfred the Great, the King of Wessex, has lived on through the ages because of his defense of Southern England. He united the kingdom for the first time under one banner. He endured a number of defeats but was eventually triumphant in his attempt to expel the Vikings from the homeland.
A great number of lessons can be learned from the legends of King Alfred. Mainly, that perseverance with the help of a deeply rooted cultural tradition will pay off in the end. Alfred contributed much to the revival of his subjects educational ambitions. He viewed himself as the basis of both spiritual and mental fortitude in his kingdom and appointed officials that demonstrated pious, honest, and learned qualities.
Dr. Campbell recounted the many myths of Alfred, all of which, even in the inclusive nature of their historical accuracy, sparks fantastic images of England's heroic past. Those images will stay with me on our journey to Oxford and London this spring. They are incredibly valuable in understanding the English people's cultural pride and heritage.
Dr. Campbell's visit was one of my favorite this semester. His economic and literary interests provided a great example of someone who pursued his curiosities, wherever they took him.
Alfred the Great, the King of Wessex, has lived on through the ages because of his defense of Southern England. He united the kingdom for the first time under one banner. He endured a number of defeats but was eventually triumphant in his attempt to expel the Vikings from the homeland.
A great number of lessons can be learned from the legends of King Alfred. Mainly, that perseverance with the help of a deeply rooted cultural tradition will pay off in the end. Alfred contributed much to the revival of his subjects educational ambitions. He viewed himself as the basis of both spiritual and mental fortitude in his kingdom and appointed officials that demonstrated pious, honest, and learned qualities.
Dr. Campbell recounted the many myths of Alfred, all of which, even in the inclusive nature of their historical accuracy, sparks fantastic images of England's heroic past. Those images will stay with me on our journey to Oxford and London this spring. They are incredibly valuable in understanding the English people's cultural pride and heritage.
Dr. Campbell's visit was one of my favorite this semester. His economic and literary interests provided a great example of someone who pursued his curiosities, wherever they took him.