An Index of Kipling's Verse A note by John Walker [March 22nd 2004] 1. The list is being developed from many sources, and standardisation of format is based around the general guidelines for the New Reader’s Guide. However, the use of capitals within a title, insertion of italics, and punctuation, varies considerably between copies. Users are referred to the list of collections noted. 2. Some of the references were taken from a proof copy of the Old Readers’ Guide (ORG), and we would be grateful for notice of any corrections. Where the verse is collected in Andrew Rutherford’s Early Verse by Rudyard Kipling 1879–1889 (O.U.P. 1986), this is noted as RUTH. (1986). Comparisons with the text in the Sussex and Burwash editions is taking some time. 3. R.E. Harbord provided for later insertions by leaving numbers free. These appear on the current draft as (Not used). 4. There was also some attempt to include items which are demonstrably not by Kipling, but which have been attributed to him regularly. Readers will be amused to note that "The Green Eye of the Little Yellow God" is not one of these. Where this is undisputed, such entries are clearly marked (Not Kipling). There are cases where Kipling may have used at least the first line of an existing verse, and other cases where it is uncertain whether a verse is borrowed from another writer; in many cases we have marked these as (Disputed). 5. Many items are noted as collected in (O.R.G.). The Harbord Guide had the full text of many pieces not collected elsewhere. Readers are referred to the list of libraries currently holding copies of the Guide. 6. There are many other verses, or fragments, which have been noted as (Disputed). Again, advice and evidence from readers would be welcome. As a general rule, if Harbord included the item, we feel justified in offering it. 7. Where Kipling adapted traditional material, or used parody, the verse will eventually be offered in full, so that readers can judge for themselves where the work is original. 8. This project continues. Kipling’s letters, any lines in the books in his library at Bateman’s, and material coming to auction are all possible sources. All contributions and corrections will be gratefully received. [J.W.]