The Works of Rudyard Kipling: One Volume Edition

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

2334

Title

The Works of Rudyard Kipling: One Volume Edition

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A collection of Kipling's classic Indian tales, blending humor, satire, and poignant storytelling. The volume features whimsical verses, barracks-room ballads, and ghost stories set against the backdrop of British colonial life, exploring themes of duty, loyalty, and the complexities of empire.

Summary up to 500 words

Rudyard Kipling's *The Works of Rudyard Kipling: One Volume Edition* offers a sweeping panorama of life in the Indian subcontinent, blending biting satire, poignant human drama, and supernatural terror. Anchored in the colonial era, the collection utilizes diverse literary forms to explore the complexities of duty, loyalty, and the clash between British administration and local realities. The volume opens with Kipling's sharp wit in *Departmental Ditties*, where he mocks the absurdities of the civil service through verses like 'Study of an Elevation, in Indian Ink.' These satirical pieces expose the favoritism and incompetence within the bureaucracy, contrasting the 'Little Tin Gods' of the administration with the harsh truths of frontier life. The narrative deepens through sketches such as 'The Story of Uriah' and 'The Post That Fitted,' which highlight the precariousness of military postings and the sacrifices demanded of soldiers and their families. A particularly moving segment is the tale of 'Moti Guj,' the 'Pearl Elephant.' This story illustrates a profound bond between the beast and his drunken mahout, Deesa. When Deesa is absent, Moti Guj refuses to work for a substitute, demonstrating an emotional depth that transcends the typical master-servant dynamic. The elephant's loyalty is tested and ultimately rewarded when Deesa returns, showcasing Kipling's ability to find dignity in chaotic circumstances. Shifting to the realm of the supernatural, the collection includes chilling ghost stories like 'The Phantom Rickshaw' and the celebrated 'The Man Who Would Be King.' The latter challenges readers with its exploration of power, identity, and the limits of human ambition, often cited as one of the finest stories ever told. Through these varied forms—verses, ballads, and tales—Kipling captures the spirit of his time. He balances humor with a profound respect for the people and landscapes of India, creating a work that is both a critique of imperial machinery and a tribute to the enduring human and animal spirits that inhabit it.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Poetry