The Kipling Reader: Selections from the Books of Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling

Jun 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

In 'The Kipling Reader,' readers are presented with a curated anthology of Rudyard Kipling's eminent and enduring literary creations. Characterized by lush descriptions, robust narratives, and a quintessentially British perspective on colonial India, this compilation echoes Kipling's masterful use of language and unique storytelling ability. The included stories, such as the palpable adventure in 'Tiger! Tiger!,' the bravery in 'Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,' and the mythic lore of 'How Fear Came,' weave together the rich tapestry of Kipling's fascination with the Subcontinent and its cultures – wrapped in a style that blends realism with folklore, all under the umbrella of his complex imperialistic world view. Rudyard Kipling's life and literary trajectory were profoundly shaped by his early years in British India and his later experiences in England and America. Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907, Kipling's works reflect his encounters with both the grandeur and the grim realities of the British Empire. 'The Kipling Reader' serves as a distilled showcase of Kipling's philosophies and craftsmanship, influenced by his intrinsic connection to the locales and legends that permeate his stories. 'The Kipling Reader' is recommended for those seeking to delve into the essence of Kipling's literary prowess and for readers who are curious about the ethereal and earthly domains within colonial narratives. It is an essential volume for scholars interested in late 19th and early 20th-century English literature, colonial studies, and for general readers who appreciate storytelling that transports one to a bygone era of British imperial history replete with vivid drama, moral complexity, and a deep interrogation of human and animal psyches.

About the author

Rudyard Kipling, born on December 30, 1865, in Bombay, British India, was an English journalist, short-story writer, poet, and novelist. Kipling's early years in India influenced much of his later literary work, which often reflected themes of British imperial rule and adventure. Educated in England at the United Services College, Kipling returned to India in 1882 to work as a journalist. His affinity with the colonial experience and the British Empire led to his notable literary contributions, earning him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907. The author of classics such as 'The Jungle Book' (1894) and 'Kim' (1901), Kipling was a master of short stories and verse, and his works were characterized by a vigorous narrative style, a deep understanding of human character, and an over-arching moral sensibility. 'The Kipling Reader' (1900) is a selection of his verse and prose, showcasing the diversity of his talent. It was designed for use in schools and includes both fiction and poems, illustrating the scope and depth of Kipling's storytelling abilities. He was a key representative of British imperial literature, although his reputation has evolved over time as modern readers have critically evaluated the themes and perspectives in his work. Kipling passed away on January 18, 1936, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to ignite scholarly debate within literary circles.