Sea Warfare
Sep 2016 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
107
Pages
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About this ebook
These pieces were written as journalism, in response to a request by the Admiralty, as the British public realised that World War I certainly was not going to be 'over by Christmas', and wanted to know what the Navy, the 'silent service', on which so much money had been spent in the decade before the war, was doing. The end of the 'Great War' against Napoleonic France had left Great Britain undoubted mistress of the oceans, and the Royal Navy was the largest in the world. This situation remained unchanged until 1914, but the rising power of a unified Germany, not merely economic but in imperial ambitions, had created a perceived threat from the mid-1890s onwards.
About the author
Rudyard Kipling, born on December 30, 1865, in Bombay, India, remains one of the most compelling and controversial figures in English literature. As the first English-language writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907, Kipling's works have left an indelible mark on the literary world. His upbringing in colonial India deeply influenced his writing, infusing it with a rich tapestry of cultural and historical references.Kipling's literary contributions are vast, ranging from the beloved children's classics like "The Jungle Book" to the hauntingly poignant poetry of "If—" and "The White Man's Burden." The latter, in particular, has sparked significant controversy for its imperialist undertones, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of Kipling's views on British colonialism.Modern readers might find Kipling's life story as intriguing as his works. He was a man of paradoxes: a staunch supporter of the British Empire who also penned some of the most empathetic portrayals of Indian life and culture. His friendships with contemporary writers like Henry James and Mark Twain further highlight his influence and the respect he commanded among his peers.Kipling's revolutionary ideas about the power of storytelling and the moral responsibilities of the writer continue to resonate. His ability to weave intricate narratives that explore themes of identity, duty, and the human condition has inspired countless authors, from George Orwell to Neil Gaiman.Despite the controversies surrounding his imperialist views, Kipling's legacy endures, offering a complex, multifaceted portrait of a writer who captured the spirit of his age while challenging future generations to grapple with the moral ambiguities of their own.
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