'If-' is a timeless classic, a masterpiece about keeping your balance in a topsy-turvy world and maintaining personal integrity. A phenomenal poem by English Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936), written circa 1895 as a tribute to Leander Starr Jameson, it is a literary example of Victorian-era stoicism. Among other nuggets, it advocates the idea of not allowing your successes to go to your head or allowing your failures to go to your heart. A great stabilizer for everyone. It contains truly sage advice needed now more than ever!

The poem is written in the form of paternal advice to the poet's son, John. A succinct yet tremendously potent body of work. A must-have for every library.