Stephen Gilbert

Monkeyface Stephen Gilbert

"It is highly readable and offers the right combination of imaginative fantasy and reality." - Olivia Manning, The Spectator

"A writer of distinction." - E. M. Forster

"A piece of imaginative work worthy of a genius." - Northern Whig

While exploring the jungles of South America, Dr. Theodore Browne stumbles upon a previously unknown species of primate that could be the "missing link" between apes and humans in the theory of evolution. He names the animal Bimbo and brings him back to Belfast for further research, but his untimely death leaves Bimbo in the hands of his brother, a callous businessman who sees him only as a resource to exploit for financial gain. One day, Bimbo surprises everyone by demonstrating that he can speak, and it soon becomes clear that he is far more intelligent than his human captors. Bimbo begins to think about his future and dreams of going in search of his family, but first he will have to escape the wiles of the wicked Mr. Browne, who has other plans in store for him. . . .

A highly original and imaginative work that blends elements of adventure, fantasy, and science fiction and raises ethical questions about mankind's treatment of animals, Monkeyface (1948) is one of the most enjoyable novels by Stephen Gilbert (1912-2010). This first-ever reprint of the novel features a new introduction by Andrew Doyle. All of Gilbert's books, including his horror classic Ratman's Notebooks (1968), the basis for the film Willard, are being republished by Valancourt Books.