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If I have offended anyone by my original message on 'Kipling and Racism' - then I apologise without reservation (A.Schicklgruber is not included). My intention is( in my very small way) to defend and preserve Kipling's integrity and place in English Literature. This position is frequently subject to defamatory attacks; these attacks question his stance and opinion on a broad spectrum of subjects. I find it difficult to accept that those seeking to couple his work to a 'racist' evaluation do him any great service. Incidentally would someone please define 'Race' and 'Racism' in the context that it applies to RK for me ? My extensive reference work gives me nine definitions; the last one (No 9) reads: Race 'A quality or aggregate of qualities by which origin is determined; especially, the characteristic flavour or taste of wine. I really can't find one that would brand him a 'Racist' Judith: Thank you for your well reasoned and interesting comments. I don't think RK was being 'racist' in the conventional (?) meaning of the term when he penned his hymn of hate against the 'Hun'. His outburst was against a hated enemy and was very probably echoed by the hundreds of thousands of young British soldiers with their final breath during the battle of the Somme (84 years ago - 1 July 1916), most of them would not know what 'racist' meant. Lisa Lewis: I'm not disagreeing with you about anything,I welcome dispassionate debate, and I certainly never involve myself in 'personal attacks'. My son in law - the one from the Caribbean - will be delighted to have your patronising approval of his choice of reading material. Sincere good wishes Michael Jefferson