Rudyard Kipling was best known for his later published novel, The Jungle Book and as a master of shortstories in his time. His writing chiefly took place in India and effectively supported the British imperialistic goals of the era. In the 1800s, much of India’s culture and customs were still shrouded in mystery and to readers back in London the landscape proved great fodder for short tales of horror, in particular, ghost stories.
Varla Ventura is the author of Fairies, Pookas and Changelings; Banshees, Werewolves, Vampires and Other Creatures of the Night; Among the Mermaids; The Book of the Bizarre; and Beyond Bizarre. She can often be found lurking about the deep dark woods and lakes of Minnesota on the hunt for mushrooms, magical herbs, and the elusive little men of legend. Visit her at www.varlaventura.net.