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Dear All, Society members will know that I have been printing out discussion on the Rudyard-Kipling discussion group for many years, and the transcripts are stored with the ‘ephemera’ files in the Society Library. The recent question from Jane about a Kipling quotation is a good example of the justification for this use of paper. The very quotable quote “A man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition” has a long history on the mailbase. Going back to 3rd September 2005, we had a query from Doctor Martin G. Erikson, from Sweden, about the source of the quotation. To my knowledge, there were no replies, apart from promises to try to find a citation, from me among others, off list. Then, on 27th February this year, I tried the mailbase again, stung into action by a query from a non-member, Peter Olausson (also from Sweden). Martin Erikson replied to my plea, on list, saying that he had a memory of a reference to it in the works of Frans G. Bengtsson, By coincidence, Peter Olausson was an enthusiast for Bengtsson (who translated ‘Paradise Lost’ among other pieces of what Peter called ‘Anglo Saxon’ literature). Peter has not returned with a citation, so we are little further in the chase. Both Martin and I have tried the usual sources, including the Kipling Journal (using the word search system, as well as the excellent Index) and every biography in the Library. I would suspect that this is yet another case of ‘it must be Kipling, it is so well put’, or perhaps something less worshipful. However, Martin. Peter, Lou, Jane and I would be grateful for something more definite. There must be a member out there who can shed some light. Best regards, John On Sun, Jun 14, 2009 at 6:20 PM, Jane Keskar<[log in to unmask]> wrote: > Google attributes this quotation to Kipling. I wonder if anyone knows where > it is from? > With best wishes, > Jane Keskar > Honorary Secretary > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Harrington, Lou > To: [log in to unmask] > Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 1:34 AM > Subject: Kipling quotation > Hello, > > I have often heard the quotation "A man can never have too much red wine, > too many books, or too much ammunition." attributed to Mr Kipling. > > Is this true? > > > Thank you, > > Lou > Lou Harrington PhC > Clinical Pharmacist > Colchester Regional Hospital > 207 Willow Street > Truro NS B2N 5A1 > (902) 893-5554 x2516 > (902) 895-5822 fax > [log in to unmask] > >