Rudyard Kipling

Reproduction of the original: Life's Handicap, Being Stories of Mine Own People by Rudyard Kipling

Reproduction of the original: Departamental Dtties and Ballads and Barrack Room Ballads by Rudyard Kipling

Reproduction of the original: The Eyes of Asia by Rudyard Kipling

"The Phantom 'Rickshaw and Other Tales" is a collection of ghostly short stories by the well-known English novelist Rudyard Kipling. Kipling, born in India, is revered for his honest portrayal of India's people, culture, and religion throughout his work. "The Phantom 'Rickshaw and Other Tales" features five short stories, each one packed with irony, good humor, mystery, and an interesting twist. In "The Phantom 'Rickshaw," the narrator Jack continuously sees Mrs. Wessington, his old flame, appear in his life even after he becomes engaged to Miss Mannering. In "My Own True Ghost Story," the narrator hears a group of doolie-bearers playing billiards in his bungalow, but when he complains the next morning, he finds there were none. "The Strange Ride of Morrowbie Jukes" is a story where an Englishman finds himself in a village of the living dead. However, one of Kipling's most renown tales, "The Man Who Would Be King," features a regular man who is made an illusionary king, built upon ideals and lies. Kipling's supernatural stories are a great read for children and adults alike with a curiosity for the unknown and unexplained.

Ranked as one of the best English language novels of the 20th century, "Kim" by Rudyard Kipling is a story of unexpected friendship in a world that favors travel, adventure, and racial division. Kipling was born in India, which has influenced many of his works, but "Kim" is regarded as one of the most honest portrayals of the people, culture, and religions of India." Kim" takes place after the Second Afghan War, during the period of time when political conflicts between Russia and Britain were high as the two great powers fought for claim over Central Asia. Kim, the orphaned son of an Irish soldier and a poor mother, lives a meager existence in India under British rule. He is forced to grow up quickly, earning his keep on the streets by beginning and running errands for locals. Because of this, few notice that Kim is a white child. On one of his adventures, Kim meets a Tibetan lama who seeks Enlightenment at a river who no one knows the location of, the legendary "River of the Arrow." Kim decides to help him find this mystery river, but on the way, is recruited to carry secret messages to the head of British intelligence. This begins his descent into secret service, and Kim ends up in a whirlwind of imperialism, spirituality, and racism. Even with his goal of reconciling warring societies, Kim never forgets the Tibetan lama's goal of Enlightenment. Considered one of Kipling's masterpieces, Kim is critically acclaimed for its lifelike portrait of India, including its varied religions and superstitions, and is a poignant tale that calls for soul-searching.

In "Captains Courageous" a spoiled son of a railroad tycoon is saved from death by a humble fisherman and his crew. Unable to convince them of his wealth, Harvey is forced to work on the ship until they arrive at the next port. Captains Courageous is nautical, adventurous, and full of good humor; the perfect combination for a coming-of-age story.

How did the leopard get his spots? Why won't cats come when they are called? And why do the tides ebb and flow? These delightful tales of porcupines and cats and kangaroos and camels were originally bedtime stories told by Rudyard Kipling to his daughter. They had to be told 'just-so' as his daughter would delight in putting back a missing sentence if Kipling tried to alter the story. Imaginative and funny, this collection of fantastical stories were published to high acclaim and have since become a children's classic, loved by children around the world. With an introduction by folklorist Neil Philip and beautifully illustrated by Isabelle Brent's fine gold paintings, this enchanting edition will continue to delight a new generation of readers.