THE SHORT REIGN OF PIPPIN IV by JOHN STEINBECK 1st/1st, 1957 HC/DJ Excellent

  The Short Reign of Pippin IV by John Steinbeck — First Edition First Printing 1957 HC/DJ in Excellent Condition

 Publisher: Viking Press, New York (1957)

In overall excellent condition. The boards and binding are solid and tight. The pages are crisp and clean with no interior markings. The uncut dust jacket has very little shelfwear and still shows original price of $3.00. An excellent first edition, first printing of one of Steinbeck's more famous works.

Description

Pippin IV explores the life of Pippin Héristal, an amateur astronomer in 1950s France, who is suddenly proclaimed the King of France. Unknowingly appointed to give the Communists a monarchy to revolt against, Pippin is chosen because he was descended from the famous king Charlemagne. Unhappy with his lack of privacy, alteration of family life, uncomfortable housings at the Palace of Versailles and his lack of power as a constitutional monarch, the protagonist spends a portion of the novel dressing up as a commoner, often riding a motor scooter, to avoid the constrained life of a king. Pippin eventually receives his wish of dethronement after the people of France enact the rebellion Pippin's kingship was destined to receive.