A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

Previous to April, I had never read any of the books of Samuel Clemens—more generally known as the satirical Mark Twain. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court was my first exposure to him—happily, it did not disappoint.

Hank Morgan is a nineteenth century Yankee, one of those scientifically brainy people who are capable of crafting anything. Yet a single blow to his head sent him back to the sixth century—the era of King Arthur, the era of simplicity.

At first I was dissatisfied with Twain’s fast method of introducing the story, and, to a point, still am—but applaud him for getting to the point quickly, which I have trouble doing. The book was a little “hard to get into,” as classics can be, yet somehow simultaneously a very easy read. As it progressed, Hank Morgan’s attempts to “civilize” and “republicanize” King Arthur’s England were interesting . . . and evident both of Twain’s intelligence and his ardent disagreements with some of the issues in America at that time. (“Indeed, Mark Twain’s political, social and economic ideas are more fully expressed in A Connecticut Yankee than anywhere else in his fiction,” said the introduction of my library’s 1960 copy.) Hank Morgan himself bothered me in his self-satisfaction but (mostly) won me with his pity for the poor and his work to equalize the citizens of the nation. The ending of A Connecticut Yankee was almost enough to make me cry—very bittersweet.

A Connecticut Yankee surprised me into admiration. Sincerely recommended—this one may appear as one of my Top Ten novels sometime soon.

Requested by Emily. 

Compare this review with my original thoughts on the cover.