A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

By: Mark Twain

Narrated by: William Dufris

Length: 11 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court is both a whimsical fantasy and a social satire chock-full of brilliant Twainisms. Hank Morgan, a 19th-century American - a Connecticut Yankee - by a stroke of fate is sent back into time to sixth-century England and ends up in Camelot and King Arthur's Court. Although of average intelligence, he finds himself with knowledge beyond any of those in the sixth century, and he uses it to become the king's right-hand man and to challenge Merlin as the court magician. Astounded at the way of life in Camelot, Hank does the only thing he can think of to do: change them. In his attempt to civilize medieval Camelot, he experiences many challenges and misadventures.

Public Domain (P)2010 Tantor

Very entertaining

First twain book on audible. it was funny, insightful, and generally an entertaining story. Great narrator and a great author. Feels like it could have been written today.

Not the best of Twain

But "not the best of Twain" is still better than most.

I'd read this many years ago, and picked up the Audio as a daily deal. Dufris is a very accomplished narrator and does a fine job here.

This is primarily a satirical novel, in which Twain lauds the nobility of the ignoble, while excoriating the ignominy of the nobility. His observations on slavery are deeply compelling. One must note that this book was written with the Civil War very much in living memory, and one can only imagine the controversy such writing would evoke. There are also longish passages on economic issues which would have been extremely topical in 1890, but much less so today.

Some will feel that a satirical piece of this length is just one long harangue. Perhaps it is, but Twain's wit and essential gentility keep it from becoming dark.

One of the Best Stories

Such a great story. I absolutely loved it. The story, the narration, the acting, everything is brilliant. You really get lost in the story. William Dufris is amazing. He does such a wonderful job. I really enjoyed listening to him. I will try to find more of his audiobooks. Recommended!!!

Entertaining, but a bit slow in places

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If they liked Sci Fi, this is the earliest example of popular alternate history work that I am aware of and its fairly good writing.

What other book might you compare A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court to and why?

Parts of the book are very 'Mark Twain' kind of amusing yarn spinning, and other parts read more like modern sci-fi.

What does William Dufris bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Excellent reader. I'll probably look for other books he's read and consider buying them no matter what they are.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not particularly.

Any additional comments?

I'm sure I'll keep this is my rotation of books and read it at least a few more times. There were a few slow parts, and some parts that were just too rooted in the time it was written for me to really follow completely, but overall I liked it.

Mark Train's humor and wit on display.

What did you love best about A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court?

The playful way that the story compares and contrastes the cultures of the past and present.

What other book might you compare A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court to and why?

Hard to compare to other books. It is a contemporary critique of the Arthurian error. In contrast to The Once and Future King that has a more rmantic view of the ideals of the period.

What about William Dufris’s performance did you like?

The way the characters are personified and compelling a great match for Twains writing style.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When our Yankee Hero realizes his dream is lost, and how he describes what went wrong.

great read

really upsetting end but justified and great telling of the story. would like to know more about the time.

Much more affecting than I expected

Witty, hilarious, and devastating. Impossible to classify. Science fiction, satire, tragedy.

And very well performed.

Mark Twain is a genius

What made the experience of listening to A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court the most enjoyable?

I read this in high school and it was a great read. The only issue I have is the older bigger words make it hard to listen to when you are at work and just wanted something to listen too.

Outstanding Performance

It hardly seems worth it to be reviewing Mr Twain after all these years. Connecticut Yankee is pointed and funny. I found myself wishing I was better prepared to get the topical matter. Not that I am bad at the 19th Century, I just know it would be funnier if I lived it. Anyway, the point of the review was to credit William Dufris' excellent narration. He really nails Twain's Yankee character. I found his voicing of some of the other characters, Clarence in particular, a little grating, but more than balanced by his excellent job with the narrator.

Twain and Woo

Where does A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A fun book to read. Top 25 in my reading list.

Which scene was your favorite?

The destruction of Merlin's tower.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book will keep you interested all the way through.

Any additional comments?

When faced with logic and reason, people still believe the woo.