The Short Reign of Pippin IV

A Fabrication

By: John Steinbeck, Robert E. Morsberger - introduction, Katherine Morsberger - introduction

Narrated by: Jefferson Mays

In his only work of political satire, The Short Reign of Pippin IV, John Steinbeck turns the French Revolution upside down as amateur astronomer Pippin Héristal is drafted to rule the unruly French. Steinbeck creates around the infamous Pippin the most hilarious royal court ever: Pippin’s wife, Queen Marie, who “might have taken her place at the bar of a very good restaurant”; his uncle, a man of dubious virtue; his glamour-struck daughter and her beau, the son of the so-called “egg king” of Petaluma, California; and a motley crew of courtiers and politicians, guards and gardeners. This edition includes an introduction by Robert Morsberger and Katharine Morsberger.

Critic reviews

Enchanting satirical comedy . . . highly amusing . . . entrancing. (Saturday Review)

Should be required reading

This was such a blissful and timeless read. I am so happy having listened to it. John Steinbeck really is such a genius.

Political Satire at its Best!

I don't understand why this wonderful book is not included among his great works.

Quite Enjoyable and Strangely Topical in 2020

Steinbeck is known for some pretty long and dark novels. This is not one of those. This is short, light, humorous satire reminiscent of Twain. In 2020 this is strangely topical. Much of political satire can be cloying, but this remains light, pleasant, and funny. Steinbeck is generally a superior writer and this book is another example of this.

The narration is excellent.

Master

Away from his usual setting, this man still shows what a master he is. What a writer!