Melincourt (novel)

Melincourt is the second novel of Thomas Love Peacock, published in 1817. It is based on the "idea of an orang-outang mimicking humanity"[1] (see James Burnett, Lord Monboddo). An orangutan called Sir Oran Haut-ton is put forward as a candidate for election as a Member of Parliament.

The heroine, Anthelia, is said to have been inspired by Peacock's friendship with Justina Jeffreys, a mixed-race woman from Jamaica who had grown up as the ward of Edward Scott, Bodtalog.[2]

References

  1. ^ Garnett, Richard (1911). "Peacock, Thomas Love" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 21 (11th ed.). pp. 21–22.
  2. ^ "JEFFREYS, JUSTINA (1787 - 1869), gentlewoman | Dictionary of Welsh Biography". biography.wales. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
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