The Merry Hippo

1st edition/1st printing (1963)

The Merry Hippo is a satire on the process of ending colonialism in Africa, set in the fictional country of Hapana. A group of British officials are staying at the Merry Hippo in the town of Happy Landings when the Deputy Commissioner, Lord Bagpuse, is poisoned.

Superintendent Jacey sets out to trap the murderer amidst rumors of a Communist plot, protests against colonialism, political rivalry between the ‘Triple-P Party’, ‘Forever Forward Group’, and a dodgy new religious cult. It looks like the only winner will be the copper mining company that owns the Merry Hippo and the nearby town.