A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

By: Mark Twain

Narrated by: Nick Offerman

Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Praise for Nick Offerman narrating Mark Twain:

“Offerman’s Illinois-raised voice and actor’s talent suit him ideally to channel Mark Twain.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“There’s something about his wry Midwestern merriment that aspires to Twainishness.” (Men’s Journal)

“It’s a melding of sardonic voices: Mark Twain, meet Nick Offerman.” (The Wall Street Journal)

With his trademark mirth and boundless charisma, actor Nick Offerman brought the loveable shenanigans of Twain's adolescent hero to life in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Now, in yet another virtuosic performance, the actor proves that despite being separated by a span of over a century, his connection to the author and his work is undeniable and that theirs is a timeless collaboration that should not be missed. Trading in the idyllic banks of Twain's Mississippi for medieval England, Offerman regales listeners with one of American literature's foremost satires and the author's most inventive and darkly funny pieces of fiction.

Hank Morgan is the archetype of modern man in 19th-century New England: adept at his trade as a mechanic, innovative, forward thinking. So when a blow to the head inexplicably sends him back in time 1300 years and places him in Camelot, instead of despair, he feels emboldened by the prospect placed before him and sets out to modernize and improve the lives of his fellow citizens. But, in order to do so, he'll need to contend with brash nobles, superstitious nincompoops, and a conniving, blowhard wizard.

While time travel has become a common trope in storytelling today, in Twain's time it was truly a novel idea; all the more imaginative when you consider how it's used for satirical effect. A thinly veiled critique of the political and social institutions that impede progress and a scathing condemnation of the naiveté that allows them to thrive, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court saw Twain's biting wit and sharp tongue honed to a fine point.

Told primarily through Hank's first-person perspective, Offerman effortlessly captures the Yankee's straightforward, matter-of-fact gruffness. Like Offerman - whose woodworking skills are the stuff of legend - Hank is a natural builder of things and his can-do, by-the-bootstraps spirit finds its vocal foil in Offerman's crisp delivery. But it's in Offerman's ability to convey the myriad characters and absurdities Hank faces that makes this an incomparable listening experience: the flowery embellishments and insane braggadocio of knights; the lilting, feathery sing-song of Clarence; the garrulous, long-winded pomp of the aristocracy; the old, dithering windbag pronouncements of Merlin. Offerman plays each of these with a humor and humanity that Twain himself would have enjoyed.

Public Domain (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Nick Offerman's performance is stellar!

I really liked this story; it might have been a little slow in some parts, but had great humor! Nick Offerman's performance took this to the next level. The combination of the dry humor and his performance had me laughing throughout this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it - and it's a very unique story. Loved!

Nick Offerman Is Amazing!

They really did chose an amazing narrator for this story! He really brings it alive!

AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

Bittersweet Splendor

A kingly tale replete with Twain's peerless humor and pathos; magnificent narration by Nick Offerman.

A Classic in Time Travel and Humor

Twain's book gives enjoyable insight into not only the tensions of two eras but into his mind as well. The never-ending predicaments are met by the protagonist with sometimes unconventional solutions that he seems to believe are obvious, making the narration a key component of conveying the usually light-hearted tone of this novel. #clever #unconventional #tagsiving #sweepstakes

My favorite Mark Twain book.

This book has much wry humor. It is , in my opinion, the best of Mark Twain. It also has veiled messages for the United
States of his time. The difficulty of going beyond what you have been raised to believe is a main theme throughout the story.

My only problem with the story is the great loss of life. He seems to almost overlook the loss that accompanies even the death of a stranger or an enemy. But he accurately shows that you can win the war and still loose everything.

It is not a book for children, but I do recommend it for all adults.

Very entertaining!

Nick Offerman is excellent. He truly brings this tale to life. But of course, Twain is near perfection in his wit and charm. Timeless. A must read, or rather, a must listen!!!

Nick Offerman bring Mark Twain to Life

I don’t know if anyone could narrate this book any better than Nick Offerman. He was the embodiment of this classic American tale. All around great. A necessary listen for any fans of Mark Twain or Nick Offerman.

Dang

If whiskey and a cigar had a voice it would be Nick Offerman's - I want more of this - I demand more of this, or I shall level all of England.

Honesty

The book is good, and the story is about starting a government where there is none. But let's be honest I just wanted to listen to Nick Offerman for 13 hours. I was not disappointed and I want to give this book a 15/15.

Excellent Tale from Mark Twain

I really enjoyed listening to Offerman's performance of this book. It was most excellent and the tale is reminiscent of something Ron Swanson would enjoy.