Three Men in a Boat

First published in 1889, Three Men in a Boat is Jerome K. Jerome’s best-loved comic novel: the tale of three friends and a dog whose peaceful boating holiday on the Thames unravels with one small mishap after another.

George, Harris, and the narrator, J., persuade themselves they’re in need of fresh air and an adventure. With Montmorency the fox terrier for company, the three set out to row from Kingston to Oxford. They encounter small troubles along the way: hampers that refuse to be packed, tins that refuse to open, swans of strong opinion, and a tent that will not stand. In this comedic account of high-spirited adventure, the three remain magnificently confident that each next stretch of river will go entirely to plan.

Three Men in a Boat is a lasting portrait of friendship, idleness, and the small absurdities of everyday life. Full of warm humour and rolling descriptions of the Thames and its surrounding countryside, it is Victorian travel writing at its finest, complete with A. Frederic’s original illustrations. A much-loved travelling companion for anyone drawn to the river themselves, or those looking for an escape from the comfort of their home.