The Dragon and the Raven Or The Days of King Alfred by George Alfred Henty AUDIOBOOK

The Dragon and the Raven, authored by George Alfred Henty, offers a vivid and stirring account of one of early England’s most formative epochs—the tumultuous reign of King Alfred. Set amid the fenlands and battle-scarred landscapes of ninth-century England, the novel places listeners at the very heart of the resistance against the Dane invaders, drawing from meticulous historical sources such as the Saxon Chronicles and Asser’s contemporary biography. Henty’s faithful recreation of this world is characterized by an attention to authentic detail, from the daily hardships of fugitive life in the swamps to the harrowing tales of sieges and warfare that shaped the destiny of the land.

Through the eyes of a young protagonist, the emerging perils and quiet resilience of the Saxons are poignantly evoked. The atmosphere of encampments, hushed woodland refuge, and embattled fortresses is suffused with anticipation and menace. The themes that animate the narrative—valor, wisdom, and national identity—are embodied in the commanding presence of King Alfred himself, whose statesmanship and unwavering devotion to his people earned him a lasting place among England’s great leaders. Henty’s prose, direct and evocative, is suffused with admiration for both the era’s stark heroism and its enduring uncertainties.

Listeners who appreciate historical fiction rich in atmosphere will find that Henty’s storytelling offers both adventure and insight. The novel becomes not only a tale of conflict and escape, but also a testament to the shaping of English character through adversity. With its blend of action, historical accuracy, and thoughtful reflection, The Dragon and the Raven stands as a compelling audiobook experience—an invitation to reflect upon the making of a nation through the eyes of those who endured its darkest days.

Audiobook time & format : 8h5m38s, OPUS, 380 Mo
Audiobook free extract time & format : 5m (see below to listen), WAV
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