The Alfred Jewel: A Historical Essay (1901)

The Alfred Jewel: A Historical Essay is a book written by John Earle and published in 1901. The book is a detailed description of the Alfred Jewel, a piece of Anglo-Saxon goldsmithing that was discovered in Somerset, England in 1693. The jewel is believed to have been made in the late 9th century during the reign of King Alfred the Great. The book provides a historical context for the jewel, exploring the reign of King Alfred and the cultural and artistic influences that may have contributed to its creation. Earle also describes the intricate design and symbolism of the jewel, which features an enameled portrait of a man, possibly King Alfred himself, surrounded by Latin inscriptions and intricate gold filigree. Throughout the book, Earle uses his expertise in Anglo-Saxon history and language to provide a detailed analysis of the jewel's significance and meaning. He also discusses the various theories about the purpose and function of the jewel, including its possible use as a pointer for reading or as a symbol of Alfred's authority. Overall, The Alfred Jewel: A Historical Essay is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Anglo-Saxon history, art, and culture, as well as for those interested in the history of jewelry and goldsmithing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.