The Monikins

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.