Books

I recently chose to read this because Twain’s “there were two reigns of terror” is my all time favorite quote from anyone.

I enjoyed it. I think even though it’s by no means a “historical” account, the book provides a good characterization of just how much life sucked for most people in the Middle Ages. Twain really is a brilliant writer.

That said, my only complaint is that I found Hank Morgan to be an unlikable character to me personally. I don’t know if that was Twain’s intention or not. It didn’t really alter how I felt about the book because I don’t think you need likable characters necessarily to enjoy a book. But I don’t know, his personality just didn’t jive with me and I felt he was a largely shallow and arrogant protagonist.

I don't need to read it, I saw the movie adaptation

I love this book so much and read it every few years. The first half is a fish-out-of-water story about an intrepid traveler surviving and thriving using his wits alone (and some luck, plot devices, and a pinch of deus-ex-machina). The second half is about why powerful institutions suck so much, human history is a mess, and generally why we can’t have nice things.

As a hopeful misanthrope I highly recommend it.

Two thoughts.

First, it's one of those books people don't actually read because they 'know' the story. Too bad, because it was Twain at his most sarcastic and biting. It's a great way to understand people of his time, by seeing what they found funny.

Second, it reminds me of the original novel 'The Princess Bride.' It's subtitled 'The Good Parts Version.' People have seen bits and pieces of King Arthur Court in comics and cartoons, the same way they've seen Don Quixote fighting windmills and Gulliver tied up by little people.