Essential Kipling

by Rudyard Kipling, Liza Goddard (Narrator), Martin Jarvis (Narrator)

Most readers know at least some of Kipling—his immortal creations Mowgli and the Just So Stories. But Kipling's range is far wider, encompassing poetry, journalism, children's writing, and letters. This collection samples the best of Kipling's work in all these genres. Here are unforgettable scenes from his fiction, like the magnificent moment when Mowgli leaves the wolves; superb poems like "Recessional," "East Is East," "If," and "The Female of the Species"; heartfelt letters to his children, including some of those to his beloved son Jack, who went missing in war and was never quite right again. The four CDs are clearly categorized into sections for listening ease—"India and Empire," "Animal Stories," "Children and Family," and "War and Other"—and each track is individually cued. Read by four of the most renowned British voices (whose biographies, with Kipling's, appear in an enclosed booklet), The Essential Kipling brings the best of this timeless author to longtime fans and new readers.

Genres: Poetry

4 pages, Audio CD

First published February 1, 2008

About the author

Joseph Rudyard Kipling was a journalist, short-story writer, poet, and novelist.

Kipling's works of fiction include The Jungle Book (1894), Kim (1901), and many short stories, including The Man Who Would Be King (1888). His poems include Mandalay (1890), Gunga Din (1890), The Gods of the Copybook Headings (1919), The White Man's Burden (1899), and If— (1910). He is regarded as a major innovator in the art of the short story; his children's books are classics of children's literature; and one critic described his work as exhibiting "a versatile and luminous narrative gift".

Kipling was one of the most popular writers in the United Kingdom, in both prose and verse, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Henry James said: "Kipling strikes me personally as the most complete man of genius (as distinct from fine intelligence) that I have ever known." In 1907, at the age of 41, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first English-language writer to receive the prize, and its youngest recipient to date. He was also sounded out for the British Poet Laureateship and on several occasions for a knighthood, both of which he declined.

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907 "in consideration of the power of observation, originality of imagination, virility of ideas and remarkable talent for narration which characterize the creations of this world-famous author."

Kipling kept writing until the early 1930s, but at a slower pace and with much less success than before. On the night of 12 January 1936, Kipling suffered a haemorrhage in his small intestine. He underwent surgery, but died less than a week later on 18 January 1936 at the age of 70 of a perforated duodenal ulcer. Kipling's death had in fact previously been incorrectly announced in a magazine, to which he wrote, "I've just read that I am dead. Don't forget to delete me from your list of subscribers."

Reviews

[Karen Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I've loved everything I've read by or listened to by Kipling, even the ones that are so spot on as to be heart-rending. I tend to listen over and over because he is so clear and writes & rhymes so well.

[M. Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful way to get to know this author (especially in audio form with wonderful readers/performers). A variety of materials and biographical, as well. Now I know a bit about Mr. Kipling.

[Clint · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a long time now I have wanted to explore Kipling. He is an author I’ve only encountered on the periphery. I hoped this would serve as a nice introduction.

It did not. I’m not saying this isn’t good, it is, but it’s aimed more towards someone who has experienced much Kipling, not a Kipling newb such as I.

The narrators do a good job. Lisa Goddard was my favorite of the two. I think I will explore more Kipling then circle back to this.