Albany F. Major

This is a scholarly investigation into the military campaigns of Wessex from the earliest days (against the Welsh) up to the later struggles against the Danes (Alfred the Great). Originally written in 1913, the style of writing takes a little getting used to, but otherwise this is a fine work which would stand up to academic standards today. The primary sources, archaeological evidence and folklore are all paid heed to, and along with "current" literature the author strives to make best reasonable reconstruction of what occured. Where such isn't possible the alternative theories/possibilities are expounded.
Some nice maps, both of the region and of individual sites are included.
I'm sure a hundred years of work since has rendered some of the conclusions terribly out-of-date, but regardless this is a valuable book.… (mere)