Kipling on the Japanese: An Unpublished Letter Written at the Time of the Russo-Japanese War to William Joshua Harding R. N. 2 September 1903.
First edition of Kipling on the Japanese: An Unpublished Letter Written at the Time of the Russo-Japanese War to William Joshua Harding
Kipling on the Japanese: An Unpublished Letter Written at the Time of the Russo-Japanese War to William Joshua Harding R. N. 2 September 1903.
KIPLING, Rudyard.
$175.00
Item Number: 122437
Cambridge, Massachusetts: Houghton Library, 1943.
First edition in book form of this previously unpublished letter, written by Kipling to William Joshua Harding seeking an army commission for his son, John. Octavo, original wrappers as issued. One of only seventy-five numbered copies, this is number 32. In fine condition. Rare.
Kipling's son John was about three years old when this letter was written. Despite his son's short-sightedness, Kipling sought to get him an army commission when the First World War broke out in August 1914. John was killed in the Battle of Loos, causing his family immense grief and placing a great strain on the marriage as Kipling's wife had strongly opposed his enlisting. Later Kipling wrote of him, "I had a boy who came near writing stories about Kangaroos and Queensland pearl-fishers. But another call came and Johnny went to France, where the stars are still shining although Johnny's drum has ceased to beat."
