Kim (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) Paperback - 2003
by Rudyard Kipling; Introduction by Jeffrey Meyers; Notes by Jeffrey Meyers
About this book
Rudyard Kipling’s Kim tells the story of Kimball “Kim” O'Hara, an imperial orphan scavenging a hand-to-mouth existence in British India during the late 1890s. The novel functions as a fictionalization of Kipling’s own Indian childhood, but it is also a strong example of the adventure stories that became especially popular in the heyday of the British Empire. Kim has been noted for its detailed portrait of the people, culture, and varied religions of India.
Kim was serialized in McClure's Magazine from December 1900 to October 1901 as well as in Cassell's Magazine from January to November 1901. It is ranked 34th on The Guardian’s list of the 100 best novels and 78th on Modern Library’s “100 Best” English-language novels of the 20th century. In 2003, the book was listed on the BBC's The Big Read poll of the UK's "best-loved novel.”
Summary
Reader reviews for Kim (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)
Review summary
Readers report that Kipling’s prose is dense and sometimes archaic, making the book slower and occasionally confusing. The standout elements are its vivid portrait of 19th?century India and the nuanced, affecting bond between Kim and the lama; the espionage of the Great Game intrigued some but felt secondary or underused to others. While many flagged dated terminology and regional stereotyping, others saw an unexpectedly empathetic, cross?cultural sensibility. Overall, atmosphere and character sketches impressed more than plot momentum, with enjoyment ranging from delighted to dutiful.
Readers say this book is:
dense proseevocative settingepisodicculturally nuanceddated stereotypeschallenging readstrong Kim–lama relationshipuneven pacingGreat Game intriguetravelogue feelWrite a review for this book
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From the publisher
First edition identification
Doubleday, Page & Company of New York and Macmillan of London both published Rudyard Kipling’s Kim in October 1901, but the US edition was copyrighted two weeks earlier than the UK edition. Doubleday, Page & Company’s 460-page edition is bound in green ribbed cloth and has 10 illustrations. This first edition has sold for up to $500. Macmillan’s edition is bound in red cloth and has illustrations by HR Millar. Interestingly, this edition has sold for upwards of $25,000 (more than 50-times the value Doubleday, Page & Company’s).
Details
- Title Kim (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)
- Author Rudyard Kipling; Introduction by Jeffrey Meyers; Notes by Jeffrey Meyers
- Binding Paperback
- Edition [ Edition: First
- Pages 320
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Barnes & Noble Classics, New York, New York, U.S.A.
- Publication date December 15, 2003
- Illustrated Yes
- ISBN 9781593081928 / 1593081928
- Weight 0.6 lbs (0.27 kg)
- Dimensions 8 x 5.19 x 0.8 in (20.32 x 13.18 x 2.03 cm)
- Category Literature - Classics / Criticism
- Dewey Decimal Code FIC
