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Stalky and Co. Audiobook
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(3.99) - 271 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Stalky & Co. is a book published in 1899 (following serialization in the Windsor Magazine) by Rudyard Kipling, about adolescent boys at a British boarding school. It is a collection of linked short stories in format, with some information about the charismatic Stalky character in later life. The character Beetle, one of the main trio, is partly based on Kipling himself. Stalky is based on Lionel Dunsterville, M'Turk is based on George Charles Beresford, Mr King is based on William Carr Crofts. The school, which is referred to as the College or the Coll. is based on the United Services College in Devon which Kipling attended. The stories have elements of revenge, the macabre (dead cats), bullying and violence, and hints about sex, making them far from childish or idealized, unlike the typical school story. The critic Edmund Wilson, in The Wound and the Bow, was both shocked and uncomprehending about them. For example, Beetle pokes fun at an earlier, more earnest, boys' book, Eric, or, Little by Little, thus flaunting his more worldly outlook.
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"These stories by Rudyard Kipling are about the antics of a group of boys at a British "public school" (what Americans would call a private boarding school), and some of the stories follow them into adult life. Very entertaining! "
— Stephanie (4 out of 5 stars)
Stalky and Co. Listener Reviews
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" A lesson in morals and correct attitudes interwoven with schoolboy hi jinks and fun - first book I ever fell in love with "
— Sharon, 12/10/2013 -
" superb, took me right back to my own school days when I was directly involved (from both sides) in those kinds of stunts. Great fun to read, great memories and a poignant ending. "
— Neil, 10/24/2013 -
" That smart-mouthed bully who used to get away with cheating, lying, and throwing spitballs at your head during Chem. has most likely grown up to be the hero of the frickin' universe. But what are you complaining about, you giddy basket-hanger? Boys will be boys. "
— The, 10/18/2012 -
" My favorite book from about 10 years old to 12. Not even people who like Kipling read this that much. I was a weird kid. "
— reed, 6/21/2012 -
" Extremely difficult to read with the slang. Soldiered through because I hate to abandon a book. "
— Amy, 3/14/2012 -
" humorous story of 3 English schoolboys at boarding school pre-WWI -- read as a child and occasionally reread for laughs and transportation to another time and place "
— Sharon, 8/31/2011 -
" Not a native engmish speaker I found it sometimes hard to understand the vocabulary used by these young characters. However I enjoyed this reading a lot, feeling as if I were living the adventures with stalky and his companions. "
— Didier_warzee, 12/21/2010 -
" Not a native engmish speaker I found it sometimes hard to understand the vocabulary used by these young characters. However I enjoyed this reading a lot, feeling as if I were living the adventures with stalky and his companions. "
— Didier_warzee, 11/20/2010 -
" superb, took me right back to my own school days when I was directly involved (from both sides) in those kinds of stunts. Great fun to read, great memories and a poignant ending. "
— Neil, 9/20/2009 -
" My favorite book from about 10 years old to 12. Not even people who like Kipling read this that much. I was a weird kid. "
— reed, 6/12/2009 -
" Hilarious book by Kipling telling the stories of several trouble-making boys at a British boarding school. "
— Starkville, 5/19/2009 -
" Extremely difficult to read with the slang. Soldiered through because I hate to abandon a book. "
— Amy, 1/11/2008 -
" That smart-mouthed bully who used to get away with cheating, lying, and throwing spitballs at your head during Chem. has most likely grown up to be the hero of the frickin' universe. But what are you complaining about, you giddy basket-hanger? Boys will be boys. "
— The, 6/9/2007
About Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) was born of English parents in Bombay, India. At seventeen, he began work as a journalist and over the next seven years established an international reputation with his stories and verses of Indian and army life, including such classics as The Jungle Book and Kim. In 1907 he became the first English writer to receive the Nobel Prize.
About Gideon Emery
Gideon Emery was raised in England and South Africa, where he won the National Vita Award for Comedy and a Gold Craft Award for Voice-over. Now based in Los Angeles, he has appeared on such television series as 24, Burn Notice, Eleventh Hour, CSI:NY, and Moonlight. His film credits include Primeval, Train, and Takers. He is also an in-demand voice for video games.