MARK TWAIN
u003cbu003eu003cbu003eA nineteenth century American travels back in time to sixth century England in this darkly comic social satire.u003c/bu003eu003c/bu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eHank Morgan is the pinnacle of nineteenth century Yankee practicality. After getting hit over the head with a crowbar in a brawl, he awakens to find that he has traveled back in time to sixth 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.u003cbru003e u003cbru003e Written during a time of personal philosophical change for Twain, this dark comic novel begins as a critique of monarchic government, but ultimately satirizes the modern technology the Boss tries to bring to the Britons, culminating in a terrifying, apocalyptic vision of war and chaos.u003cbru003e u003cbru003e This edition includes:u003cbru003e -A concise introduction that gives the reader important background informationu003cbru003e -A chronology of the author's life and worku003cbru003e -A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical contextu003cbru003e -An outline of key themes and plot points to guide the reader's own interpretationsu003cbru003e -Detailed explanatory notesu003cbru003e -Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the worku003cbru003e -Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interactionu003cbru003e -A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experienceu003cbru003e u003cbru003eEnriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy the world's finest books to their full potential.
