A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court Audiobook By Mark Twain cover art

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

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A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

By: Mark Twain
Narrated by: Nick Offerman
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About this listen

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.
Classics Arthurian Funny Witty Celebrity Inspiring Heartfelt Feel-Good Connecticut King Royalty

Editorial reviews

Editors Select, September 2017

I didn't think it was possible. Nick Offerman's reading of Tom Sawyer is one of my all-time favorites - a performance that made me fall in love with Twain's classic all over again. But I may actually love his performance here even more. The character of Hank Morgan - a bearish, no-nonsense adherent to practicality and pragmatism - could be seen as a natural predecessor to Ron Swanson (the character Offerman played in Parks and Recreation) as well as the very embodiment of the gumption the actor writes of in his own work. That is to say, this is a character tailor-made for Offerman. Even better is the fact that we get to hear him voice boastful knights and flittery damsels and a villainous Merlin. But mostly, I'm happy to see Offerman quickly becoming the go-to performer and interpreter of Twain's brilliant stories. —Doug, Audible Editor

Featured Article: The 25 Best Time Travel Listens to Take You on an Unforgettable Journey


Time travel is one of science fiction's most popular subgenres. Fans are drawn to its infinite possibilities, offering a glimpse into past cultures, societies, and pivotal events while exploring big what if? questions. What if you knew what would happen next in your life? What if you could go back and change history? What if you did change history? With this guide, you're sure to find an exciting audiobook to transport you to the perfect place in another time.

Editor's Pick

Enduring and delightful
"A hilarious classic writer that needs no introduction. A hilarious pop culture icon that needs no introduction. Mark Twain and Nick Offerman are my perfect pairing."
Catherine H., Audible Editor

What listeners say about A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

Highly rated for:

Imaginative Premise Witty Satire Excellent Narration Insightful Commentary Timeless Classic
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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting book but would not be o my top 10 list

This book has a bit of absurdity or humor in line with Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The premise of the book is a gentleman from the 18th century somehow appears in the sixth century during King Arthur's time.  Well I found parts of this book amusing and enjoyable I also found times were my mind started to wander as parts of it dragged on. I would give the narrator a five-star performance. However the overall book I would only give a three star.

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Skeptical at first but WOW!

I was hesitant to delve into a novel by Mark Twain. I had a bad taste from being forced to read others of his as a kid but Nick Offerman narrating talked me into it. I was so pleasantly surprised. Of course Offerman’s performance was spot on, but the content of the epic was also fantastic.

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simply wonderful.

absolutely loved this book. Offerman play the character so naturally. never in my life have I wanted a book adapted into a movie and known a better option to play the lead as him. highly recommend.

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Nick Offerman could read the dictionary

if he did, I'd listen for 10 hrs, let it go for a week or so and then get back to it every three weeks until I reached Quahog. At that point I'd point I'd close the app and reflect on life until I felt philosophically sated by my mortal efforts. on the next transcontinental flight I'd get back to it with delight.

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a delight! Mark Twains best work.

the journey never gets old in this feel-good rollercoaster. this book is fun and relevant and always will be!

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Amazing!!

Nick Offerman is AMAZING at this performance!!! Mark Twain is always a great read! Need more Offerman!!

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Great

Great production. I love the story and Offerman gives an admirable performance. I only give four stars because I have heard some audiobooks that were essentially made into expertly produced radio dramas, and so I reserve my five star rating for those absolute best and seemingly very rare productions. I do recommend this audiobook and will be listening to Offerman's readings of other Twain works.

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Mark Twain's imagination...

This was well narrated. Nick Offerman did a wonderful job.

Mark Twain's wit is remarkable. When listening to this tale (fiction), you aren't even aware of how much you're being taught about human nature & history.

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Nick Offerman completes Twain’s works

I had never read this book before. So glad I didn’t because then I might have missed the spectacular Nick Offerman’s delightful telling of it. It’s hilarious and just down right fun. All ages will enjoy it.

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Written for Nick Offerman's voice and personality.

This book was an absolutely spectacular experience coming from Nick Offerman! One that you'll listen to again and again.

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