* Patronage of Learning: Alfred actively encouraged scholarship and learning. He invited scholars to his court, established schools, and commissioned translations of important texts. This helped keep the flame of literacy alive during a time of Viking raids and cultural disruption.
* Translations: Alfred himself commissioned translations of important Latin texts into Old English, including Bede's "Ecclesiastical History of the English People" and Boethius' "Consolation of Philosophy". These translations not only made knowledge accessible to a wider audience but also helped standardize the English language.
* The "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle": Although not directly authored by Alfred, the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" was likely begun during his reign and continued under his successors. This important historical document is a primary source of information about Anglo-Saxon England and provides valuable insights into the culture and language of the time.
Therefore, while Alfred the Great didn't personally write any literary works, his patronage and support for scholarship and translation played a crucial role in the preservation and development of English literature during a critical period in its history.