Three Men in a Boat and Three Men on the Bummel

by Jerome K. Jerome

Book Overview

This volume stands as the only available critical edition of two of the most popular classics in English literature. Three Men in a Boat describes a comic expedition by middle-class Victorians up the Thames to Oxford, providing along the way brilliant snap-shots of London's playground in the late 1880s. In Three Men on the Bummel, the three Englishmen escape from the claustrophobia of suburban life some ten years later to go on a cycling tour in the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0192880330
• ISBN13: 9780192880338
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.6" x 5.0"

Customer Reviews

Didn’t include both stories as listed.

The book I ordered said it included Three Men in a Boat and 3 Men in a Bummel. It only included the first story.

Roaringly Funny

I have been reading some good, but bleak literature lately, so I decided to turn to something a bit lighthearted. I think there is nothing better to fit that bill than Jerome K Jerome's hilarious "Three Men in a Boat." This Penguin edition also adds "Three Men on the Bummel," a worthy sequel that Jerome wrote roughly ten years later. I cannot believe I'd never heard of these gems before. This is, without a doubt, one of the funniest books I've ever read. Despite the fact that Jerome is writing to us from the Victorian era, the humor is timeless. The writing style could be a bit touchy for some, but for me, that is what added extra dimensions of humor to the stories. It's the intricate way Jerome conveys his acidic comments that leave you in stitches."Three Men in a Boat" is certainly the more humorous of the two. In this tale, three friends, J., George, and Harris, with Montmorency the dog in tow, decide to take a jaunt down the Thames for rest and relaxation. What ensues is a wild stream of hilarious tales and misadventures. Often, the trip takes a backseat to the stories, as J. talks about an assortment of topics. My favorite stories concerned the cheese, the weather, and the German singing the "humorous" song. Another favorite is the descriptions of how the three learned to sail and row. I don't want to give away any of the details of these stories because they are just too hilarious; I would also kill the humor if I tried to relate them. This story also gives some detail to historical places along the river. The introduction to this book shows how historical accounts of river travel were quite popular. Jerome set out to write such an account, and the publisher dropped much of this material and left the funny anecdotes intact."Three Men on the Bummel," written in 1900, reunites the three (minus Montmorency) for a biking excursion in Germany. While still funny in spots, it lacks the vigor of its predecessor. I found the tale about the water hose a hoot, but Jerome tends to spend more time on travelogue. His observations about the German people are eerily prophetic, as you'll see when you read the book. The language is still acid sharp, and Jerome has an interesting eye for details that make this story a joy to read.If you don't mind roaring at the misfortunes of others, and enjoy wry sarcasm, you will delight in these two stories. Also, you are lying if you don't recognize Uncle Podger in your own family. As I write this review, I'm chuckling over the memory of some of the stories. In fact, you may want to be careful while reading this; you'll continue to laugh later as more layers of Jerome's humor emerge in your mind. A great book for a rainy day!

An enduring comic masterpieces

There are very, very few laugh-out-loud literary classics, but this is one of them. I speak of THREE MEN IN A BOAT. The sequel is not unreadable, but it is a considerable disappointment after the glorious earlier novel. The great thing about THREE MEN IN A BOAT is that after you have read it, you can go back to your favorite parts and reread them whenever you feel like it. Or read any part at all. The plot really isn't very important. The narrative voice is all. And everyone is going to have their favorite lines. Mine could well be when the narrator remarks, "I am fascinated by work. I could sit and watch it all day." But the narrative tone is so perfect, that one derives enormous entertainment from the book even when nothing especially funny is being said at all.So, read this volume for the earlier novel, but if you enjoy the second, all the better.

The Funniest Book Ever Written

Like other reviewers, I first heard of this book after reading the wonderful novel by Connie Willis, To Say Nothing of the Dog. That wonderful book inspired me to read Three Men in a Boat. A simple story set in Victorian England of three young men taking a boat ride down the Thames, and yet I laughed so hard and so often that I actually had to stop reading to catch my breathe. The writing is wonderful, with characters that everybody can identify with. The story of uncle Podger hanging the picture is priceless. I can't believe that this book was written over one hundred years ago. The story is timeless. But the humor is such that few readers will be able to come away without loving this book. Already, I am trying to get hold of the author's other books. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Whatever you do, READ THIS BOOK! If not, you are truly missing one of life's greatest pleasures!

A great antidote against winter blues and more!

I first read this book in translation to Russian, many (too many!) years ago. In the former Soviet Union (and in Russia proper, before there ever was a Soviet Union), this and other books by Jerome. K. Jerome were very popular. When I came to Boston 20 years ago as a refugee from Soviet Union, this was one of the first books I bought. I was hoping that, in its original language, it would be even a greater fun to read and I was not disappointed! In fact, the book has been in constant use ever since, having been loaned to many friends and even taken by some of them on a holiday trip to England (which included a week-long boat trip on the Thames!). It is very funny and its wit is timeless. This book is a great antidote against winter blues. It is also good as a remedy for our tendency to exaggerate shortcomings of others while papering over our own little faults and imperfections. Whether discussing their problems, high on the list of which is their "general disinclination to work of any kind", or planning their trip and packing supplies for it; whether rowing their boat or pitching a tent and trying to keep dry on a rainy night -- the characters are totally alive and recognizable. In fact, I am sure we all met people just like them, except they were not dressed as Victorian gentlemen on a holiday! But forget what they wear and what items they pack (or forget to pack) for their trip, or the fact that a cab they take to the railroad station is horse-driven, and these guys could be living in an apartment next door! Never will you hang another picture on your wall without thinking of Uncle Poger and never will you buy Stilton cheese again without some trepidation! I'd recommend this (and other Jerome's books, especially, "Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow") to anyone above the age of 12 and possessed of even a bit of a sense of humor. P.S. Did I mention that this book improves upon re-reading? A rare quality, indeed!

My annual Spring tonic--wit at its best!

I was given a copy of this book about 12 years ago. It has turned out to be one the best gifts I've ever received. Jerome's witty ramblings are the funniest I've ever read. Mark Twain, who I also love to read, comes close to Jerome's style but, in my opinion, is a poor second. Jerome finds humor in the commonplace and the every day occurrences which all of us, even a good 100 years later, can identify with. Starting with his self-diagnosis of every ailment, excepting house-maid's knee, to his singular insights into his friends, self, and surroundings; I never tire of rereading this book. It becomes clear quickly that the dog, Montmorency, is the only one with any sense. Three Men and a Boat always cheers me after a cold, bleak winter. It's the best Spring tonic--I highly recommend an annual dose. I shop now for gifts to give to friends so they can share my enjoyment in this wonderfully humorous and offbeat book. Read, enjoy, and laugh often.