SOMETHING OF MYSELF FOR MY FRIENDS KNOWN AND UNKNOWN

by Rudyard Kipling ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 26, 1937

The title is oddly definitive. This autobiography is essentially Kipling, as he is known to those who love and have loved his work. For others, it would be virtually meaningless, so closely is the man, as shown in this book, expressed in and through his work. Belonging as I do, to the still vast Kipling audience, I revelled in every page of it, for I recaptured much of the first thrill of his stories and sketches. Two thirds of it is the Kipling of Plain Tales From The Hills, of Kim, of baa, Baa, Black Sheep, of The Naltess Cat, of Stalky, of Soldiers Three, of Under the Deodars, of The Jungle Books. Less intimately familiar seem the chapters of his American interim, and South Africa -- but the delightful chapter entitled The Very Own House gives background for Puck of Pooks Hill and Rowards and Fairies, as well as the most human and personal grown-up aspects of all. The last chapter deals with his profession, and could be lifted as a unit from the rest, and given to many young writers to read and ponder. The book is running serially in The New York Times, but this should stimulate interest, and it is essentially a book to own in its entirety. A book for immediate sales, and for a plus sale with Kipling sets for the long haul. Not a conventional autobiography, but a thoroughly delightful one.

Pub Date: Feb. 26, 1937

ISBN: 1434470733

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday, Doran

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1937

Categories: NONFICTION