The Jungle Books

By Rudyard Kipling and John Lockwood Kipling

Book Overview

First published in 1894 and 1895, The Jungle Books remain some of the most beloved tales of all time. Adored by readers of all ages, these classic stories in two volumes spin the unforgettable story of Mowgli--a boy raised by a pack of wolves--as he learns indelible lessons about the laws of the jungle as well as the needs of the heart. Through Mowgli's journey, readers also meet the tiger Shere Khan, who stalks man and beast alike, the rock python Kaa, who dispenses wisdom, and the aging wolf Akela, who struggles as his leadership of the pack is challenged. Set in India, Kipling's great masterpiece is an allegory for Britain's imperialism, filled with high adventure and extraordinary characters. The mythic tale of a boy looking for where he truly belongs--either with the man-pack of the village or the wolf-pack of the wild-- The Jungle Books touch both our intellect and our emotions, while Kipling's dazzling storytelling makes them the timeless archetype for popular tales to come.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553211994
• ISBN13: 9780553211993
• Release Date: December 1985
• Publisher: Bantam Classics
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.1" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Not just Mowgli and his jungle friends, much more

A classic telling various stories primarily set in India, but going to other locales on occasion, it isn't an adventure in the traditional sense, but evokes a similar mindset of seeking out the dangers that lurk in nature, even incorporating yourself as Mowgli does. And while Mowgli's story dominates the general structure, you also get side stories unrelated to that about other animals making their way in the world and overcoming some challenge, such as Rikki Tikki Tavi or The White Seal. Not only good as a bridge to longer books that have an overarching story because they're more short stories, but also an introduction to Kipling's style that incorporates poetry/song as needed.