Rudyard Kipling, often hailed as a prophet of British imperialism by a young George Orwell, was born in Bombay, India, and possessed an unparalleled insight into the British Raj. Critic Douglas Kerr notes that Kipling remains a figure of passionate debate, with his literary and cultural significance still evolving. As the era of European empires fades, Kiplings remarkable narrative skills and his unique perspective on the imperial experience are increasingly acknowledged. This complexity and brilliance are vividly brought to life in THE PLAIN TALES FROM THE HILLS. -- MH (Introduction by Mike Harris)