"The Jungle Book" is a literary classic penned by British author Rudyard Kipling and first published in 1894. Set in the heart of the Indian jungle, it is a captivating collection of stories that combine adventure, morality, and the relationship between humans and animals. At its core, the book explores the idea of the "Law of the Jungle," which represents the rules and principles that govern life in the wild. The central character of "The Jungle Book" is Mowgli, a young boy who finds himself orphaned in the jungle and subsequently raised by a pack of wolves. His upbringing in the jungle introduces him to the intricate web of life and survival strategies that animals employ. Mowgli learns to communicate with various creatures, developing unique friendships and alliances with the jungle's inhabitants. Among his closest animal companions are Baloo, the jovial and wise bear who imparts valuable life lessons to Mowgli, and Bagheera, the sleek and protective black panther who serves as his guardian. Together, they guide Mowgli through the challenges of the jungle, instilling in him the importance of respecting nature and the Law of the Jungle. However, not all of Mowgli's encounters in the jungle are friendly. Shere Khan, a fearsome Bengal tiger, serves as one of his primary adversaries. Shere Khan harbors a deep-seated animosity toward humans and poses a constant threat to Mowgli, leading to numerous confrontations throughout the story. Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was a British author best known for his works of fiction and poetry, often set in the context of the British Empire. He was born in Bombay, India, and spent a significant part of his life there, which greatly influenced his writing. Kipling's notable works include "The Jungle Book," "Kim," "Just So Stories,".
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"I find Rudyard Kipling's writing to be extremely lyrical and completely enticing. The characters are involved and emotional and draw you in from the moment you start reading about them. Rikki Tikki Tavi was my personal favorite in the compilation. Who knew you could get excited about a mongoose? Very much recommend this book."
— Devon (4 out of 5 stars)
" An interesting listen - nothing like the Disney version which is a good thing! "
— Kellie, 2/18/2014" Very interesting. I liked the teaching of Mowgli and some of the things that came from that. It was different than the Disney movie. "
— Mark, 2/3/2014" So far, I don't get the Kipling quotes. More yet to be read. "
— CJ, 1/28/2014" This was a decent introduction to a classic for children. "
— Kerry, 1/21/2014" I didn't know before starting this book that there are actually several stories in it. The first one is about Mowgli, which I thought was the best one. The stories all have animals in them and not all of them take place in the jungle. I'd rate some stories higher than others, but I thought it was a pretty good classic. "
— Alice, 1/20/2014" I think it's safe to say that the movie is only loosely based on the book. I had no idea there were other stories in the book, as well, like Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. It was a fun read. "
— Cory, 1/16/2014" This was interesting, I never read this growing up. "
— Steve, 1/12/2014" Overall I really enjoyed it. I was able to get into the first few tales much more than the last few, but all were interesting. "
— Annica, 1/9/2014" A charming book of fabels starring all kinds of animals from India. The poems appealed more to me than the short stories. "
— Judith, 12/18/2013" Hmmm well I dont find it very interesting when I tried to compare it with the television series, anyways I liked few stories in it although like the white seal, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,Toomai of the elephants. few poems are just irritating to read...altogether a child like experience... "
— Aniket, 11/10/2013" Really terrific! I didn't know a lot about the jungle book before I read it, though I was very familiar with Rikki Tikki Tavi and Mowgli the best. I should read this out loud to my kids. "
— Jennifer, 10/10/2013" I enjoyed the stories of Mowgli, but actually enjoyed the other stories completely unrelated to him even more. "
— Blaine, 10/3/2013" I lost this in the move....it is such a good book too. "
— Kenny, 8/30/2013" This was the first I ever read the entire book. Pure delight! Kipling is both charming and insightful; even though the lessons may appear rooted in British Raj, they are more timeless than this age will care to admit. Highly recommended. "
— Russell, 8/3/2013" Nothing special, but a fun read. A collection of short stories about various animals rather than a longer book just about Mogwli. "
— Tessa, 6/10/2013" I thought the whole book would be about Mowgli and his jungle adventures but the whole second half had nothing to do with him. "
— Jennysue, 4/2/2013" I am greatly enjoying this classic. It is a well written and entertaining look into the jungle. It goes beyond the beloved Disney tale of the Jungle Book, expanding our look into jungle life. "
— Kelseyn, 2/13/2013" Can't believe I never read this as a kid! "
— Rachel, 11/26/2012" A classic any adult can enjoy!! "
— Holly, 11/18/2012" There are multiple short stories in the Kindle edition. Some stories were better than others, but overall, I'm just not a fan. "
— Cyndi, 9/6/2012" it was so good if you start you cant stop "
— Jones, 8/12/2012" I read the stories with Shere Khan in them because I had just read the Tiger's Wife. "
— Linda, 3/28/2012" Very enjoyable towards the end. One could skip around to read only the Mowgli stories. Some of the other stories were good, too, though. "
— Jimmy, 3/26/2012" I especially enjoyed the stories about Mowgli, and Rikky Tikki Tavi. "
— Karen, 12/24/2011" Found it really boring. I will try to read it again to my children and see if the adventures are more appealing to a younger listener. "
— Ashley, 10/28/2011" I was in Seoni in modern MP where the book is set. So I re-read it. The characters are vivid. And scratch below the surface. The monkeys are Bengalis perhaps, and the Tiger is a Pushtun, like the Taliban, maybe? Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful "
— Howard, 7/14/2011" Brilliant if not a bit overly moralistic on rare occasion. "
— Bosley, 7/7/2011" Really terrific! I didn't know a lot about the jungle book before I read it, though I was very familiar with Rikki Tikki Tavi and Mowgli the best. I should read this out loud to my kids. "
— Jennifer, 6/30/2011" It is not the same than disney history, but is the best "
— Dampii, 6/26/2011" children's audio. I couldn't stand the narrator on this one. First of all, she pronounces the "mow" in Mowgli to rhyme with cow (whether it's correct or not, I couldn't get used to it); second of all her tone of voice is boring. "
— Tracey, 6/21/2011" It's a series of short stories for children - way more than just Mowgli. Mowgli's story is much less developed than in the Jungle Boy movie. "
— Nick, 6/17/2011" Ugh. Some good moments but tough to get through overall. "
— Marie, 6/14/2011" Read this to my 8 & 5 year olds. At times, I had a hard time getting them to pay attention. I didn't think they liked it much, but when we were done they both said they liked it. I liked it too. "
— Melissa, 6/13/2011" An interesting listen - nothing like the Disney version which is a good thing! "
— Kellie, 6/13/2011" Easy short read, though some of the later stories are a little tedious "
— Theo, 5/30/2011" I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The version I got also had Riki Tiki Tavi and other stories. They were all great, universal tales that children and adults alike could enjoy. Fanciful, fun reading. "
— Lena, 5/27/2011" Mine is a leather bound issue, part of a collection Dalmatian Press released in 2004. "
— Amber, 4/26/2011Rudyard 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.
Geoffrey Giuliano is the author of over twenty internationally bestselling biographies, including the London Sunday Times bestseller Blackbird: The Life and Times of Paul McCartney and Dark Horse: The Private Life of George Harrison. In addition, he can be heard on the Westwood One Radio Network and has written and produced over sixty original spoken-word albums and video documentaries on various aspects of popular culture.
Geoffrey Giuliano is the author of over twenty internationally bestselling biographies, including the London Sunday Times bestseller Blackbird: The Life and Times of Paul McCartney and Dark Horse: The Private Life of George Harrison. In addition, he can be heard on the Westwood One Radio Network and has written and produced over sixty original spoken-word albums and video documentaries on various aspects of popular culture.