Letters of Travel (1892-1913)

Rudyard Kipling

2018年10月 · Otbebookpublishing

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Excerpt:"After the gloom of grey Atlantic weather, our ship came to America in a flood of winter sunshine that made unaccustomed eyelids blink, and the New Yorker, who is nothing if not modest, said, 'This isn't a sample of our really fine days. Wait until such and such times come, or go to such and a such a quarter of the city.' We were content, and more than content, to drift aimlessly up and down the brilliant streets, wondering a little why the finest light should be wasted on the worst pavements in the world; to walk round and round Madison Square, because that was full of beautifully dressed babies playing counting-out games, or to gaze reverently at the broad-shouldered, pug-nosed Irish New York policemen. Wherever we went there was the sun, lavish and unstinted, working nine hours a day, with the colour and the clean-cut lines of perspective that he makes. That any one should dare to call this climate muggy, yea, even 'subtropical,' was a shock. There came such a man, and he said, 'Go north if you want weather—weather that is weather. Go to New England.'"

作者简介

Rudyard Kipling, born on December 30, 1865, in Bombay, India, remains one of the most compelling and controversial figures in English literature. As the first English-language writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907, Kipling's works have left an indelible mark on the literary world. His upbringing in colonial India deeply influenced his writing, infusing it with a rich tapestry of cultural and historical references.Kipling's literary contributions are vast, ranging from the beloved children's classics like "The Jungle Book" to the hauntingly poignant poetry of "If—" and "The White Man's Burden." The latter, in particular, has sparked significant controversy for its imperialist undertones, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of Kipling's views on British colonialism.Modern readers might find Kipling's life story as intriguing as his works. He was a man of paradoxes: a staunch supporter of the British Empire who also penned some of the most empathetic portrayals of Indian life and culture. His friendships with contemporary writers like Henry James and Mark Twain further highlight his influence and the respect he commanded among his peers.Kipling's revolutionary ideas about the power of storytelling and the moral responsibilities of the writer continue to resonate. His ability to weave intricate narratives that explore themes of identity, duty, and the human condition has inspired countless authors, from George Orwell to Neil Gaiman.Despite the controversies surrounding his imperialist views, Kipling's legacy endures, offering a complex, multifaceted portrait of a writer who captured the spirit of his age while challenging future generations to grapple with the moral ambiguities of their own.