Create a page

Aero Scuzz, you are invited to the Teahouse edit

Swastika in old editions edit

 
A left-facing swastika
 
Covers of two of Kipling's books from 1919 (l) and 1930 (r)

Many older editions of Rudyard Kipling's books have a swastika printed on their covers associated with a picture of an elephant carrying a lotus flower. Kipling's use of the swastika was based on the Indian sun symbol and the Sanskrit word meaning "fortunate" or "well-being".[1] He used the swastika symbol in both right- and left-facing orientations, and it was in general use at the time.[2][3] Nazis came to power, Kipling ordered the engraver to remove it from the printing block so that he should not be thought of as supporting them. Less than one year before his death Kipling gave a speech (titled "An Undefended Island") to The Royal Society of St George on 6 May 1935 warning of the danger which Nazi Germany posed to the UK.[4]

 

Hi Aero Scuzz! Thanks for contributing to Wikipedia. Please join other people who edit Wikipedia at the Teahouse! The Teahouse is a friendly space on Wikipedia where new editors can ask questions about contributing to Wikipedia and get help from peers and experienced editors. I hope to see you there! Writ Keeper (I'm a Teahouse host)

This message was delivered automatically by your friendly neighborhood HostBot (talk) 01:22, 31 October 2012 (UTC)Reply
  1. ^ Michael Smith. "Kipling and the Swastika". Kipling.org.
  2. ^ Schliemann, H, Troy and its remains, London: Murray, 1875, pp. 102, 119–20
  3. ^ Sarah Boxer. "One of the world's great symbols strives for a comeback". The New York Times, 29 July 2000
  4. ^ Rudyard Kipling, War Stories and Poems (Oxford Paperbacks, 1999), pp. xxiv–xxv