Nobel Prize–winning British author (1865–1936) best known for such colorful classics as Just So Stories, Captains Courageous, and The Jungle Book. ALS, two pages, 3.75 x 6, Bateman’s, Burwash, Sussex letterhead, May 2, 1918. Kipling writes to “Timmins.” In part: “Elsie [Kipling’s daughter], who is an incoherent animal at the best of times and, after her recent orgy in town more than usually incoherent, tells me that you’ve succeeded in selling the Brigadier [a cow owned by Kipling] not once but several times! The latest quotation she gave me was £35! I always said you had a magnificent business mind: and if this is true (the sale, I mean, not the mind) I shall bless you and anything over £25 which is my price you can give to any charity you like. You see—in case any one wants to know about him—the Brigadier is a nice-minded well set up child of Cow about nine months old … and his Pedigree is beyond reproach. He walks like the God Apis and his head is a treat to look at…. The Bird had a Royal time with you and has told us some delightful things about it. I only wish she had brought you back with her instead of her new black hat….” In very fine, clean condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
