Book Review: Three Men In A Boat (1889) by Jerome K. Jerome

“Three Men In A Boat (To say nothing of the Dog)” is a slapstick novel of a river boat trip up the Thames by the late 19^th century author Jerome Klapa Jerome. It was an instant success, and clinched Jerome’s reputation as a humorist, motivating him to devote his full efforts to writing. The popularity of this book was such that the number of registered Thames boats went up fifty percent in the year following its publication, and it contributed significantly to the Thames becoming a tourist attraction. In its first twenty years alone, the book sold over a million copies worldwide. It has been adapted to films, TV and radio shows, stage plays, and a musical. The book's writing style has influenced many humorists and satirists in England and elsewhere

Original Publication in 1889

Although written almost 130 years ago, the humor is fresh and still resonates with modern day audience, evident by the opening lines: “We were sitting in my room, smoking, and talking about how bad we were – bad from a medical point of view, I mean, of course.” Intended initially as a serious travel guide with details of local history, the comedy elements took over when Jerome was writing the book.

 As a result, the readers regard the comedic aspects and many humorous short stories as the real essence of the novel. The three characters of the book George, Harris and Jerome himself, as well as Jerome’s fox terrier Montmorency give us a good idea of Victorian England. The characters are memorable through their antics. George is the practical one, while Harris is the most entertaining of them, as reflected by his many stories, Harris always known a place right around the corner where you can get something brilliant in the drinking line.”

Victorian England

Various mundane aspects of daily life are made a situations and stories of that would be worthy of theatrical performance. With every new place the four characters go, we, the audience feel like are tagging along and observing the Victorian life. The journey provides both laughter and actual advice on sightseeing. Jerome keeps the readers hooked, as it seems the stock of his short comic stories never end. Everything, from packing bags to scraping potatoes is made an extraordinarily detailed hilarious situation. Montmorency provides readers with unique situations that dig-owners would find delight in.

Jerome in the 1890s

Certainly, Jerome has made a novel that would have no shortage of laughs from the audience. Other works of literature may viral it. Its originality and size but for hopeless and incurable honesty, nothing that has been inverted, can surpass it. Then honesty gives this novel a charm uncommonly seen, and will make the novel more precious to the reader.

What's The Draxanderis Scripture without giving you some music?

This track by Austin Wintory for Assassins Creed: Syndicate will perfectly capture the feel of the Victorian era. With the various instruments, you too can go for a tour of the times, along with the three men (and one dog)  down the Thames.

The book, overall is excellent and is recommended for all who like History, and are more interested in the culture of those older times, before the start of the 20th Century.   

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