3 Review(s)

In "The Monikins," the story is set on the fictional island of Leaphigh, which is inhabited by a race of intelligent and civilized monkeys known as Monikins. These Monikins have developed a complex society with various customs, laws, and government systems. Cooper uses this setup to satirize the political and social structures of human societies.The novel follows the adventures of Sir John Goldencalf, an Englishman who, along with his dog, visits the island of Leaphigh. Through Sir John's interactions with the Monikins, Cooper offers a satirical commentary on the follies and shortcomings of various forms of government, including monarchy, democracy, and socialism.While "The Monikins" is not as well-known as Cooper's frontier novels, it is an intriguing work of political and social satire. The novel reflects Cooper's concerns and criticisms of contemporary political and social issues in the 19th century, and it stands out as a unique departure from his more famous works.