The Long Recessional: The Imperial Life of Rudyard Kipling. . - Reviews - book review

Contemporary Review, June, 2002

The Long Recessional: The Imperial Life of Rudyard Kipling. David Gilmour. John Murray. [pounds sterling]22.50. 351 pages. ISBN 0-7195-5539-6. Popularity in one era usually leads to detraction in the following and such is the case with Rudyard Kipling. As the great poet of the British Empire, Kipling has been lampooned by minimalist intellectuals in the post-Suez world.

As Mr Gilmour argues, even his biographers have painted a confusing picture, seeking to present Kipling as if he were at heart a Blairite 'new Briton' in disguise. The author will have none of this. This biography concentrates on Kipling not just as a writer but as a major figure in public life. Kipling was both a keen imperialist and, later, a worried prophet concerned with his country's future. 'Imperialism and conservatism were in fact essential ingredients of Kipling's life and of much of his writing'. It was Kipling and men like him whose influence helped to make the Empire different from that of France or Germany. Here again he was a pro phet whose last caution was to warn Britain of the Nazi threat in 1933. Indeed his last great service to the Empire he loved was to leave behind writings which encouraged it in its darkest hour. This biography balances the picture we have of Kipling. It is deeply researched, well written -- indeed, a pleasure to read -- and a model biography. (J.M.)