About this book
John Kendrick Bangs' *The Autobiography of Methuselah* is a wickedly clever satire that reimagines biblical history through the eyes of humanity's oldest man. Having lived 969 years, Methuselah becomes an unreliable and delightfully irreverent narrator, recounting his firsthand observations of Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel, and the peculiar events of early creation—all with sharp wit and comedic absurdity.
Published in 1909, this inventive work of humorous fiction subverts religious solemnity by presenting sacred history as gossip and memoir. Methuselah emerges as a surprisingly modern character: a curmudgeonly witness to humanity's mishaps, prone to tangents about extinct mastodons and questionable business ventures. Bangs masterfully blends satire with imaginative storytelling, transforming dusty biblical narratives into entertaining anecdotes filled with period humor and philosophical observation.
The novel's genius lies in its premise—what would ancient history sound like retold by someone who actually lived through it, complete with personal grievances, fading memories, and utterly human perspective? Rather than reverent retelling, readers encounter irreverent commentary on women, family drama, and the absurdity of human nature.
Perfect for listeners who enjoy classic literary humor, those seeking witty retellings of familiar stories, and anyone who appreciates intelligent satire that doesn't take itself too seriously, this audiobook offers timeless entertainment and gentle mockery of both religious tradition and human pretension.
