The Graves of the Fallen: Imperial War Graves Commission.

Exceptionally rare first edition of this pamphlet honoring every British soldier who died in World War I. Oblong octavo, original publisher's pictorial wrappers, illustrated with black and white drawings of the cemeteries and memorials as they will appear completed throughout. In near fine condition. Illustrated by Mr. Douglas Macpherson. Housed in a custom red portfolio with gilt titles to the front panel and string ties. Rudyard Kipling’s The Graves of the Fallen (1919), written for the Imperial War Graves Commission, articulates the moral and aesthetic vision behind the design and commemoration of British and Commonwealth soldiers’ graves after World War I. Serving as the Commission’s literary adviser, Kipling helped shape its guiding principles of equality in death—ensuring that all soldiers, regardless of rank or class, were memorialized with identical headstones and inscriptions. The text blends solemn prose with restrained idealism, reflecting both personal grief—Kipling’s son was killed in the war—and a collective commitment to remembrance.…