The Short Reign of Pippin IV - 1st Edition/1st Printing

by John Steinbeck

Book Overview

Steinbeck's only work of political satire turns the French Revolution on its head, as amateur astronomer Pippin Heristal is drafted in to rule the unruly French. Enchanting comedy ensues as Steinbeck... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B00BL9E1QI
• Release Date: January 1957
• Publisher: Viking Press
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Short and Sweet

True to Steinbeck, this novel hits emotions on many levels. One of his more humourous works, The Short Reign of Pippin IV chronicles a man's journey from an average guy to king and back. It's short, it's funny, and it's a classic. A must-read for any fan of Steinbeck or parodying the French!

Clever

John Steinbeck again proves to be one of the great writers of the 20th century with the political satire "The Short Reign of Pippin IV". The synopsis on the back cover of the book accurately describes it as a "dazzling, effervescent satire on practically everything." When the political factions of France can not decide in which direction the country's leadership should go, they decide the only way to unite the country is unite them behind the mutual dislike of a king. Enter the illegitimate son of the former king and amateur astronomer, Pippin. The factions of the government make a reluctant king of Pippin. As the title suggests, Pippin's reign is short. When he realizes the factions of the government have crowned him to be a patsy, he tries to fix the system of government. Of course, this leads to Pippin's depose. While keenly aware of the consequences of speaking his mind, Pippin did it anyway. This satire reveals a side of Steinbeck not seen in his other works. While Steinbeck is critical of government, he never blantantly mocks a system. Many of the surprises of this book are best discovered by the reader. Satire is best discovered by yourself.

What a surprise

Someone once said "I cannot read more than ten pages of Steinbeck without throwing up." It is a feeling that I share wholeheartedly. I've found the novels of his that I've read to be bleak, depressing, and punctuated with lovingly rendered depictions of disease and gore. However, this book (as well as "The Deeds of King Arthur"), to some degree redeems Steinbeck in my eyes.I found it in a used bookstore, and I was so intrigued by the idea of John Steinbeck writing a comedy, that I bought it immediately. Its a farcical tale of a French Astronomer who, by some twist of fate, is briefly appointed King of France. In its style, it is reminiscent of novels by other famous authors, such as Dumas and Voltaire. It did not have me rolling in the aisles with mirth, but there were so many beautifully turned comic phrases and situations, that I was just in awe that this was the same man who had written the book "The Black Pearl" (in my mind, one of the most utterly disgusting books I have ever read). If he had added a bit more of the comic touches he used in this book, to his other novels, such as "East of Eden," I believe he would have humanized them, and would have better succeeded in conveying his message."Pippin IV" is a true little gem as full of mirth and humor as his other works are full of misery and despair. I highly reccomend it, especially if you are not fond of Steinbeck's works. If nothing else, it will give you an appreciation of his technical abilities as a writer.

Yummy

An unexpected and undervalued delight. Hilarious satire in Steinbeck's beautifully economic prose. A very far cry from his grittier American work (Cannery Row is my favourite book of all time) showing an astonishing ability to get under the skin of France. Lovely. A great present for fathers, especially slightly distracted ones.

When political payback time comes

Great book for presentation to candidates for political office. Some 80 political parties agree to re-establish/elect monarchy for single-issue, self-centered,political reason. Each comes back to collect its political debt.