Offa: King of the Mercians - Hardcover

An authoritative biography of Offa of Mercia, revealing his importance as the king who stood at the turning point of Anglo-Saxon history.

Offa's Reign and Legacy

Offa ruled the Mercian heartland of the west midlands from 757 to 796. While Alfred the Great and his dynasty are often celebrated as agents of a new beginning that led to a unified Anglo-Saxon kingdom, Offa is most commonly remembered as the builder of a great dyke and a symbol of an older, divided order.

A Fresh Perspective on Offa

In this major new biography, Rory Naismith challenges the traditional view of Offa. Through meticulous research, Naismith demonstrates how Offa:

• Cemented Mercia’s position as the dominant force in southern Britain.
• Strengthened the internal cohesion of his domains.
• Laid the foundation for a new model of kingship.

Insights from Historical Sources

Drawing on an extensive range of sources—including charters, coins, and chronicles—Naismith portrays Offa as an ambitious and successful ruler. He carefully constructed both his image and that of the royal family, showcasing a strategic approach to kingship.

Offa's Lasting Impact

Far from being just another overlord in a sequence of rulers, Offa had a profound and lasting impact on how kingship was practised and conceived across England. This biography sheds light on his enduring influence and redefines his place in Anglo-Saxon history.

Hardback. 384 pages, 33 b-w illus. + 12 maps