A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

By: Mark Twain

Narrated by: Norman Dietz

Transported back in time to the regal days of chivalry, the quick-witted, sharp-tongued Connecticut Yankee introduces the legendary King Arthur and his court to some "magic" even the wizard Merlin never dreamed of: the destructive power of gunpowder, and the ability to eclipse the sun itself!Public Domain (P)2002 Recorded Books

A personal favorite

This is my favorite Mark Twain. I love the premise and the playing out of an “modern” American with 19th century sensibilities, knowledge, and technological ability in the 5th century England. How could he not become the Boss? Oh man, it’s witty, hilarious and action packed, and at times can still move me to tears. This guy’s narration is a perfect fit really. He’s an artist.

I listen to this every couple years.

over and over

over and over, I can listen to this over and over... it's fantastic.

wit and wisdom, tremendous and commonplace, as it is to be expected with Twain, is no surprise and hence not outstanding. yes, as is usual with his mature novels, Yankee is a pleasure for the humors, an expose of the natures.

what is truly exceptional here is the performance.

I have dozens of Twain audiobooks, lots of experience. I believe no one delivers him as well as Norman Dietz. his timing and timbre capture the soul of the story perfectly. and that is a necessity for Twain's works because his writing has a soul, a personality that delivers the meaning as much as the prose.

here Dietz delivers, more than on any other, with Sandy's monologues. she yammers train wreck worthy sentences, and Dietz nails them. everytime is a riot.

this book is a brilliantly delivered comic gem written with wisdom and stirred with emotion.

NOTE: not the best recording, sadly. for me all that is wonderful and entertaining in this novel outshine the sound quality. I hope that will be your experience as well.

cheers

Top Notch Sarcasm

Norman Dietz's reading is absolutely spot-on. His dry sense of humor and sarcastic drawl makes me feel like I'm sitting on Mark Twain's front porch listening to the author himself read. If your only introduction to this story is the Bing Crosby musical (shudder) or if you've only ever read Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, PLEASE do yourself a huge favor and listen to this book. Heck! Even listening to the free preview is worth the time!

This ain't the movie.

If all you know of this book is the silly Danny Kaye movie, you have denied yourself a true treat. His humor and wit are as sharp here as anything he ever wrote. You will both laugh and be astounded. Listen, it's a gem.

Funny, Smart, and Timely

I wish I could convey the delight I felt listening to this presentation of Twain's astute critique of society -- past and present. While written over 100 years ago, its insights and wisdom are as timely, perhaps even more so, than they were then. The reading of this book is also a joy -- the reader is sharp, witty, and brings the first-person of this narrative not only to life, but to a engaging seat next you. By the time I was hour into it, he was my friend, charmingly relating his unbelievable tale to me. Do yourself a favor -- listen to this book.