Another Multi-Layered Satire of Americanism

Hank Morgan, a 19th-century arms engineer, is struck on the head during an argument at work and wakes up in England in the 6th century, where he soon makes a name for himself as a magician more powerful than Merlin. Although not a sequel, the novel picks up almost directly from where Mark Twain left off in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884). Although Twain continues to renounce Old World romantic chivalry and heroism by way of hereditary nobility and superstitious tradition in favor of American rugged self-reliance and ingenuity, he criticizes Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution-era philosophies, particularly capitalism. In the end, Hank creates a society just as capable of violence, even mass slaughter, and blind obedience, to brand if not religion or title, as the one he rejects. One more wry classic in Twain's oeuvre. ( )

Reason read: American Author Challenge/Twain. This book has been out there and I've been curious so finally took the time to read it. Published in 1889, it is a tale of time travel back to King Arthur's Court. There is a lot of satire found here and also political and social commentary. Huckleberry Finn is still my favorite. ( )

I read an abridged version of this book as a kid and loved it. Re-read it many times. It contained mostly the action parts, so it was a lot of fun. Read it as an adult (listened to Nick Offerman's reading of it, actually) and found it was so much more. Both a fun story and a compelling statement about Twain's political views. Anti-slavery was the key takeaway, but anti-church, anti-nobility, and pro-democracy were other aspects. It could get a little long winded at times, but Offerman's reading never let me get bored. And quickly enough Twain would swing back into action and propose another showy example of 19th century innovation in 6th century backwaters to make our hero, Hank, shine like a star never to be eclipsed. I'd forgotten how sudden and (in a sense) sad the ending was, but I had no other expectations since it started with Hank back in the 19th century so therefore that's how it must end. All in all, I love this book now as a adult just as much as I loved it as a kid. ( )

Although a teeny bit of a slog at times, this is a wonderful, excoriating satire — with a more overt & extreme black humor than I have read in Twain before. Anti-slavery, anti-monarchy, anti-church; anti-ignorance, anti-superstition, anti-ludditeism. Pro-democracy, equality, freedom. There are no mistaking Twain's views, and it is mighty refreshing. I treasure Clarence's proposal to replace the monarchy with cats. ( )

This book involved several related adventures as Hank Morgan (a 19th century American) learns to navigate his new setting (6th century England). Could be gruesome at times, but there was still a humorous tone throughout. The clash in terms of culture & politics made for interesting conflict, yet showed how much had stayed the same. Writing could drag on, but overall an enjoyable read ( )