The Short Reign of Pippin IV

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The Short Reign of Pippin IV: A Fabrication is a novel by John Steinbeck published in 1957; his only political satire, the book pokes fun at French politics.

Pippin IV explores the life of Pippin Héristal, an amateur astronomer suddenly proclaimed the king of France. Unknowingly appointed for the sole reason of giving the Communists a monarchy to revolt against, Pippin was chosen because he was rumored to descend from the famous king Charlemagne. Unhappy with his lack of privacy, alteration of family life, uncomfortable housings at the Palace of Versailles and mostly, his lack of telescope, the protagonist spends a portion of the novel dressing up as a commoner, often riding a motorscooter, to avoid the hectic monarchial life. Pippin IV eventually receives his wish of dethronement after the people of France finally enact the rebellion Pippin's kingship was destined to receive.

[edit] Trivia

• The year the book takes place in is never revealed, always being represented as "19--". Pippin discusses a comet he discovered in 1951 (the same year as the book's publication) however, indicating it is sometime after this year.
• The original illustrations were provided by William Péne du Bois.
• The book was dedicated to Steinbeck's sister Esther Steinbeck
• The "slogan" of the book is Frogs Crown Pip!