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Classic Authors: Rudyard Kipling

© Susan Jensen

Rudyard Kipling's fascination with India's culture inspired him to write stories and poems which captured the imaginations of readers around the world. He achieved fame quickly, and authored many works, including such classics as The Jungle Book(1894), Kim(1901) and Just So Stories(1902).

Rudyard was born in Bombay on December 30, 1865. His father, John Lockwood Kipling, worked as the principal of Jeejeebyhoy Art School. John also wrote the book Beast and Man In India. Rudyard had several famous uncles on his mother's side, including artist Sir Edward Burne-Jones.

Although Rudyard's early years in India seemed idyllic, he soon had to face the reality of the outside world. In 1871, the Kiplings shipped Rudyard and his sister off to England to begin their educations. They were placed in a strict boarding house where Rudyard endured endless bullying and cruelty. After 5 years there, he was finally moved to a private school where he was much happier. Several years later, he entered the United Services College. Here, he again found bullying and teasing, but he also found a love for literature. While at the college, he wrote much, including a collection of poetry called Schoolboy Lyrics, which was published in 1881.

The next year, Rudyard re-joined his parents in India. He found work as a reporter, and also took the opportunity to learn about the Indian culture. Their daily lives and religion fascinated Rudyard. He did not profess to know everything about the Indians, and tried to portray them with honesty and understanding. His writing gained popularity partly because of its fresh subject matter, and partly because of his skill as a writer. Fame found Rudyard early in his writing career.

In 1892, Rudyard married an American woman named Caroline Balestier. Together, they moved to Vermont. After only 5 years in Vermont, Rudyard returned to England alone. A bitter quarrel with his wife's relatives forced him from the United States. Even later, when he and his wife visited North America, they would opt for vacations in Canada rather than their former home. While in the United States, however, Rudyard produced The Jungle Book, one of his most well known pieces.

Kim was published in 1901; Just So Stories appeared a year later. After 1902, Rudyard had a son and traveled a great deal. His son died in action in World War I, a tragedy which some say turned Rudyard into a poet of bitterness and guilt. Following his son's death, he worked meticulously, listing the names of soldiers who were missing in action and also laboring with the War Graves Commission.