The Short Reign of Pippin IV

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The Short Reign of Pippin IV: A Fabrication book cover

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.

[edit] Plot summary

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 a telescope, the protagonist spends a portion of the novel dressing up as a commoner, often riding a motorscooter, to avoid the constrained 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.

v • d • e Works by John Steinbeck

Novels:	Cup of Gold • To a God Unknown • Tortilla Flat • In Dubious Battle • Of Mice and Men • The Grapes of Wrath • The Moon Is Down • Cannery Row • The Pearl • The Wayward Bus • Burning Bright • East of Eden • Sweet Thursday • The Short Reign of Pippin IV • The Winter of Our Discontent • The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights

Non-fiction:	The Log from the Sea of Cortez • Bombs Away: The Story of a Bomber Team • A Russian Journal • Once There Was a War • Travels with Charley • Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters

Short stories:	"The Chrysanthemums" • "The White Quail" • "Flight" • "The Snake" • "Breakfast" • "The Raid" • "The Harness" • "The Vigilante" • "Johnny Bear" • "Red Pony" • "The Murder" • "Saint Katy the Virgin"

Short story collections:	The Pastures of Heaven • The Long Valley