Unlike many authors, Kipling received praise early in his career and consistently throughout his life. In 1894 when it first appeared in print, The Jungle Book, however, received both praise and criticism. Some viewed the publication as one of the greatest literary events of the year. Several publications lauded Kipling's work. For example, according to Harry Ricketts in his biography of Kipling, the Athenaeum gave its praise: "our sincere thanks to Mr. Kipling for the hour of pure and unadulterated enjoyment which he has given us, and many another reader, by this inimitable 'Jungle Book.'"

Yet Kipling and The Jungle Book were criticized, too. According to Ricketts, the American Henry James wrote to English writer, Edmund Gosse:

He sends me too [James told Gosse] his jungle book which I have read with extreme admiration. But how it closes his doors & sets his limit! The rise to...