Books

Bristol: J.W Arrowsmith. 1889. 8vo. Mid twentieth-century full blue crushed morocco by Bayntun-Riviere, spine with raised bands decorated and lettered in gilt, covers ruled in gilt, inner dentelles gilt, marbled end papers, all edges gilt; the original illustrated cloth covers and spine bound in at the end; pp. [6], 315, [3 (ads)]; fine rebound copy. First edition of Three Men in a Boat in a handsome binding. 'Jerome's reputation as a humorist was firmly established with the publication of the classic Three Men in a Boat (1889), subtitled (to say nothing of the dog), which depicts a series of comic episodes on a riverboat trip up the Thames. It has been translated into many languages and filmed three times, with a television production in 1979. Its combination of light-hearted satire, sharp dialogue, and slapstick has made it perennially popular, and it is the book for which Jerome is remembered' (ODNB).

"Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog!)" by Jerome K. Jerome is a comedic novel that chronicles the misadventures of three friends—Jerome himself, George, and Harris—as they embark on a boating trip along the River Thames in England. The novel is filled with humorous anecdotes, witty observations, and lively characters. The story begins with Jerome, the narrator, feeling overworked and stressed. In an attempt to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, he suggests to his friends George and Harris that they take a boating holiday. The three men, along with a dog named Montmorency, eagerly agree to the idea and set out on their journey. As they navigate the Thames, they encounter a series of comedic mishaps and challenges. From struggling to pack efficiently to dealing with inclement weather, the friends find themselves in a variety of humorous situations. Along the way, they also meet colorful characters, including a bargee who gives them dubious advice and a German family with a penchant for musical instruments. Despite their best intentions, the trip is not without its tensions. The friends occasionally bicker and disagree, particularly when it comes to mundane tasks such as cooking and navigating. However, their camaraderie and shared sense of humor ultimately prevail, and they continue their journey with laughter and good spirits. Throughout the novel, Jerome interweaves humorous anecdotes and reflections on life, friendship, and the quirks of human nature. He also shares fascinating historical tidbits about the places they pass along the river, adding depth and context to their journey. As the trip progresses, the friends encounter a series of unexpected challenges, including getting lost in the Hampton Court Maze and struggling to find suitable accommodations for the night. Despite these setbacks, they persevere with humor and determination, ultimately forging unforgettable memories along the way. In the end, the boating trip comes to a close, but the friendships forged and the experiences shared will stay with the three men forever. "Three Men in a Boat" is a timeless classic that celebrates the joys of friendship, the beauty of nature, and the absurdity of everyday life. With its witty humor and charming characters, it continues to delight readers around the world to this day.