In this second volume of Rudyard Kipling's Five Nations series, the author continues to explore the complexities of the British Empire and its relationship with other nations. Through a series of essays, Kipling delves into topics such as imperialism, patriotism, and the role of the individual in society.

Kipling's writing is both thought-provoking and poignant, as he reflects on the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a part of a powerful empire. His vivid descriptions of various cultures and landscapes add depth and richness to his observations, creating a vivid picture of the world at the turn of the century.

While some of Kipling's views may be considered controversial or outdated by today's standards, his insights into the human condition and the nature of power remain relevant and compelling. Five Nations Vol II is a fascinating and illuminating read for anyone interested in history, politics, or literature.

Book Description:
Rudyard Kipling was the first English recipient of the Nobel Prize in literature and the youngest at the time to be so rewarded. His children’s stories and poems have been enduring expressions of his times, many tied to India, the country of his birth. Five Nations is a collection of poems covering the wide range of the British Kingdom at the time, though there is some debate as to what the Five Nations refer. There are two groups of poems in these volumes, unnamed poems and the service poems. Many of these have military themes and range over many wars of the British Empire. Volume II contains poems of the Five Nations and Service Poems. - Summary by Larry Wilson