1917 | A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain | Modern Library Hardcover | Former School Library Copy

A wonderfully worn vintage Modern Library edition of Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.

Originally published in 1889, the novel follows Hank Morgan, a 19th-century American who unexpectedly finds himself transported to sixth-century England and the world of King Arthur. Twain uses the time-travel premise for sharp satire involving government, technology, class, religion, power and the idea of progress. 

This copy was previously part of the Paxon Jr. H.S. Library, giving it an especially interesting institutional history. Old library handwriting and identifying marks remain inside, with some prior ownership information blacked out.

Please note that this is a heavily worn vintage reading copy, not a fine collectible copy. The blue cloth boards show significant rubbing, staining and loss of cloth, with notable fraying and wear at the spine ends and edges. The page block is age-toned and has dark marker markings along the outer edges. Interior pages also show former library markings and handwriting. One page pictured has a small lower-corner loss/tear.

Despite all of that, there is something incredibly charming about a classic that has so obviously been used and read for generations. A great inexpensive copy for a Mark Twain reader, vintage book lover, old-library collector or someone who simply prefers books with history.