Join us to share and enjoy the writings of Rudyard Kipling

Do you recognise these lines?
First he had to wear a cloth round him, which annoyed him horribly; and then he had to learn about money, which he did not in the least understand, and about ploughing, of which he did not see the use.
Source of the quote and John Radcliffe’s ‘Three Quotations’
This year’s poetry competition: closing date for entries 1st May

Details here.
Read last year’s winning entries here.

Enjoy the Verse of the Week from the Librarian here. Relive past gems on the society’s Facebook page.

Upcoming… Weekend 16th – 18th May. Alliance of Literary Societies AGM in Brighton – hosted by the Kipling Society. Full programme and registration form now available.

Here is what is happening in the society over the next 12 months… Mike Kipling (Secretary)
APR 23rd | Meeting: speaker – Susan McMahon, Executive Director of the Landmark Trust USA, Zoom only |
MAY 1st | Kipling Journal KJ401 published. Poetry Competition closes. |
MAY 16-18th | ALS AGM Weekend – Hosted by the Kipling Society in Brighton |
JUN 11th | Reading evening, curated by Jan Montefiore. 8.00pm by Zoom. |
JUN | Newsletter |
JUL 2nd | Meeting: AGM + Talk TBA: 4.30 for 5pm (+Zoom) |
AUG | Newsletter |
SEP 1st | Kipling Journal KJ402 published |
SEP 24th | Meeting on Zoom only: TBA |
OCT | Newsletter |
NOV 26th | Meeting: TBA |
DEC | |
JAN 1st | Kipling Journal KJ403 published |
JAN | Newsletter |
FEB 4th | Meeting: TBA |
MAR 1st | 2026 Writing Competition opens |
MAR | Newsletter |

The Kipling Journal has been the magazine of the society since its foundation in 1927. It is currently published three times a year under the editorship of Professor Jan Montefiore. It is available to all members online and sent by post to members who have chosen that option as well.
The Kipling Society is a charity whose object is the advancement of public education by the promotion of the study and appreciation of the life and works of Rudyard Kipling.
The Journal is open to submissions, of any length between 500 and 5000 words, from students, scholars, professional academics, and Kipling enthusiasts. All articles are peer reviewed. Copyright of material published in the Kipling Journal remains with the author.