Introducing a fresh, practical approach to Mark Twain's enduring classic -- affordably priced, smartly packaged, and editorially ideal for students and general readers.
Hank Morgan is the pinnacle of 19th century Yankee practicality. After getting hit over the head with a crowbar in a brawl, he awakens to find that he has travelled back in time to 6th century England, the domain of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. His basic knowledge of such subjects as astronomy and mechanics quickly gains him a reputation as a powerful magician, and earns him the nickname "The Boss". He wastes no time in taking advantage of the situation and making certain improvements to Arthur's kingdom: laying ground wires for telegraph and telephone services; establishing a newspaper; and working to undermine the feudal system and replace it with democracy. But the social class system, the innate superstitions of populace, and the power of the church prevent Hank from effecting a lasting change.
Written during a time of personal philosophical change for Twain, this dark comic novel begins as a critique of monarchic government, but ultimately satirises the modern technology the Boss tries to bring to the Britons, culminating in a terrifying, apocalyptic vision of war and chaos.
