The Light That Failed was the first novel by Rudyard Kipling (1865 – 1936). Written when he was 26 years old, it is semi-autobiographical, based on his own experience of unrequited love. It is the story of Dick Heldar, a war correspondent and artist, and his childhood sweetheart, Maisie. On his return from service with the British Army in Sudan, Dick realises that he is going blind. As his vision fails, his hopes and dreams of life with Maisie begin to fade.   When it was first serialised for Lippincott's Magazine, Kipling’s novel was shortened and given a happy ending. This version, published in book form the following year, included a note describing it as: “The Light That Failed as it was originally conceived by the Writer." Published by Macmillan & Co., London in 1892. Blue cloth, gilt decorated.  Binding is good.  Front endpaper is missing. Water stain on back board, long since dried.