The Light That Failed.

KIPLING, Rudyard.

Item Number: 86433

London: Macmillan & Co, 1891.

First edition of Kipling’s first novel. Octavo, original cloth, gilt titles to the spine. In near fine condition. Housed in a custom half morocco and chemise case. Uncommon in this condition. From the library of
Cleveland’s great collector of association books, Paul Lemperly with his bookplate and bibliographic clippings tipped in.

Written when Rudyard Kipling was 26 years old, The Light That Failed is semi-autobiographical; being based upon his own unrequited love for Florence Garrard. Most of the novel is set in London, but many important events throughout the story occur in Sudan and Port Said. It follows the life of Dick Heldar, an artist and painter who goes blind, and his unrequited love for his childhood playmate, Maisie. Though it was poorly received by critics, the novel has remained in print for over a century. It was also adapted into a play, two silent films as well as a drama film.