Rudyard Kipling Collected Poems (Wordsworth Poetry Library)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VWLMAC/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_imgOne of the things that first attracted my husband and me to each other was that we had both written books about Kipling. His was about Kipling's poetry; mine was about Kipling's use of realism in the American style rather than in the English or Continental European style. But I had written a long term paper on Kipling's poetry, and both of us had memorized large chunks of it. We've been married going on 26 years now, and we still cap each other's quotations, or one of us will begin reciting a poem and the other will pick up, making it a duet.Kipling's poetry is not much admired these days. I can only assume the reason for that is that nobody reads him. I cannot imagine anyone reading him and not loving him, but too many cutesy poets have ruined poetry for too many readers, who now will not go to the poetry they would like if they had read.Once in an undergrad speech class the professor proclaimed, "Farewell, romance! But of course you don't know what that means."Without raising my hand, I shouted, "But all unseen, Romance brought up the nine-fifteen! I do too know what that means."He forbade me to tell anyone else, and so far as I know none of my classmates ever found the source of the quotation.Oddly enough, although he was strongly Imperialist in many of his views, he is a very popular writer in the former USSR, as a writer of the working man.All I can say beyond this is, for heaven's sake and for your own sake, read him for yourself. Don't take anyone else's word about him, especially if they don't like him. He didn't get a Nobel Prize for Literature for playing silly games. He got it for hard, stark realism in such works as THE LIGHT THAT FAILED and KIM.Read him. Please.

I had no idea of the breadth and depth of Kipling's work. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of India, and of the British army in India as well as being expertly conversant with naval warfare, and when he wrote about those themes, and others, he had the faculty to explain it all in terms and ways that make even a modern-day reader understand and appreciate them. His characters have the sound of being based on real people; real soldiers, and real sailors. As well as writing an excellent and refined prose, he had a flair for portraying some themes in verse. This is not a book you'll get through in one sitting, but it will provide many, many evenings of quiet enjoyment. Perhaps the short story of his that I remember most fondly is "The Man Who Would Be King." I remember seeing the movie, which starred Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Christopher Plummer, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the movie hewed very close to the story line laid down by Kipling. If you have an interest in Kipling, or in the British Army, the Royal Navy, India, or that period in history, you'll be pleased with the perspective on those places, those institutions, and those times that this volume affords.

The media could not be loaded.  Wish I could've afforded it in hardcover!!!

This book contains many, but not ALL poems by Kipling. Some of Kipling's famous poems have been omitted. I find this disappointing.

I've loved Kipling's work since I read 'Kim' as a youngster; came to appreciate him even more after serving in the Pacific Rim as a Navy sailor. Taking a Ph.D. in literature simply convinced me that he, while he had the unfortunate experience of becoming politically incorrect late in his career, was as insightful and powerful a poet as Eliot or Pound. Strong words, I know, but choosing to write to people, rather than professors and dilettantes, does not make one either stupid or irrelevant. If only the dawn came up like thunder where I now live. God bless Kipling.

Be sure to find out which titles are in this "works" as Kim and the Jungle Book are notably missing. Also the set I got though advertised with blue covers has green covers. I paid $98 for the set and think that price was OK but still would not have bought it had I known Kim was not included.

One enjoyable poem after another. Nowadays Left-Wing Nuts in the U.S.and U.K. would denounce a good bit of this work as sexist, racist, jingoist,and worse. Kipling states what many today think and feel, but one overheard utteranceor alleged utterance and you have to grovel publicly, enroll in diversity and sensitivityclasses, and submit to being shaken down financially by any number of Victim Groups.If you're reading this and saying "why doesn't this reviewer go back and live in Kipling's Timeif contemporary culture is so awful?" I wish I could.

Rudyard Kipling is the youngest writer to ever receive the Nobel prize for literature. Weather it's stories about the British Army in India or life in London you can taste and feel the reality of it all. If our army and state department had read Kim we would have not stayed in Afghanistan! Today many schools have stopped reading the classics a great loss in my opinion. I recommend reading all of Kipling's works, not just the Jungle Stories to one and all!

Kipling es un escritor notable, no sólo por su premio nobel sino porque el mundo que creó ha sido asimilado en la cultura popular del mundo, sobre todo a través del "libro de la selva". Agil, entretenida, hasta cómica, su escritura reunida da la oportunidad de conocer no sólo sus grandes éxitos sino, por ejemplo, su poesía . El precio para Kindle es inmejorable, si te gusta leer, no te lo puedes perder.

so much for so little money

I do like to think of myself as an avid reader and poetry enthusiast, and this book gave me the pleasure of immersing myself in the works of the legendary wordsmith, Rudyard Kipling. This collection of poems truly encapsulates the essence of his profound literary brilliance and takes readers on a captivating journey through time and various corners of the world. Kipling's ability to weave captivating narratives into verse form is nothing short of awe-inspiring, and this anthology stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.The collection comprises a wide array of themes, each showcasing Kipling's keen observation of human nature and his deep understanding of the human condition. From tales of adventure and exploration in the exotic landscapes of India to poignant reflections on the complexities of empire and its consequences, the poet's unique perspective on life's struggles and triumphs is both thought-provoking and evocative.One of the most captivating aspects of this anthology is Kipling's uncanny ability to capture the essence of various cultures, bringing them to life with vivid imagery and compelling storytelling. His poems transport readers to far-flung lands, making us feel like voyagers traversing the world alongside the author. In each poem, we encounter a rich tapestry of characters, landscapes, and customs that are as diverse as they are enchanting.A standout feature of Kipling's poetry is his masterful use of rhythm and rhyme, which adds a musical quality to the verses. This creates an entrancing cadence that not only delights the ear but also reinforces the emotional impact of the words. Each line is carefully crafted, and every stanza resonates with a sense of purpose and depth, leaving a lasting impression on the reader's mind and heart.While many of the poems celebrate the imperial values of the time, it is essential to approach this collection with an awareness of its historical context. Kipling's view of colonialism and its effects can be complex and controversial, and it is crucial to read these poems with a critical eye and an understanding of the time in which they were written. Nevertheless, even in these moments, Kipling's literary prowess cannot be denied.In conclusion, Rudyard Kipling's collection of poems is a treasure trove of timeless tales that will undoubtedly appeal to poetry lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience. His words resonate through the ages, and his ability to transport readers to distant lands and times is nothing short of remarkable. While there may be elements that require critical examination, the sheer artistry and emotional depth of Kipling's poetry make this collection a must-read for anyone with a passion for literature and a thirst for adventure.

I got what I thought I would get. Kipling is an important poet, who never really knocks on the door of greatness. But he can be astonishingly good at times. His keen eye and eager ears could make even the great envious. And this ability serves him good, for it induces us to read his works in spite of the sickening racial overtone.

Poor quality construction and cheap paper.Very little effort was put into the design of this. It's not a nice thing to look at or hold.text on the spine alligned properly. Looks like something cheap you would get from officeworks if you asked them to print a book for you.