Summary: Alfred, the only English king called “the Great,” worked to save learning in the 9th century by translating important Latin texts into English. He wanted everyone, especially young men, to benefit from these books and ordered them to be copied and distributed. His efforts helped increase literacy in his kingdom and are remembered through artifacts like Alfred’s jewel.
So Alfred decided that Latin texts needed to be translated into the living language of English to jumpstart literacy throughout the kingdom. He had five books on religion, philosophy, and history translated, and twelve copies of each were painstakingly copied. (View Highlight)