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Three Men in a Boat

Three Men in a Boat

List Price: $39.95
Your Price: $39.95
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: This book is pure fun, very rarely dull.
Review: I think this book was well worth reading. It's written in a very intelligent way with the base story mixed with the novel-like short stories. And these short stories are mostly hilariously funny. It's surprising to see how timeless situations work in recognition. Jeromes historical inputs are also comic and interesting. This book is pure fun, very rarely dull. It's easy to draw connections to Swedish boating films, such as:"Göta Kanal" and "Segelsällskapsresan". The only thing this book lacks would be a map over the Thames area. Back in 1899, this would have suited perfectly as a guidebook.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A masterpiece!
Review: I was extremely surprised to see the low sales rank of this book, not to mention the fact that there are only two reviews for it! In my opinion, it is one of the most hilarious book ever. It is also one of the most profound books I have read. Written at the fag end of the 19th century, Three Men In a Boat is the tale of 3 friends(and a dog) who take a boating trip down the Thames river. When they're not busy falling into the river, they visit historic places, enjoy the beauties of the river and outdo each other in telling amusing anecdotes. The narrator (it is written in the first person) describes their adventures, the beautiful scenery, the history of many places they visit and his philosophic observations of life - all with a superb, elegant style and a deep understanding of humanity. Never have I seen such hilarious situations described in such witty language, right alongside such deep contemplations of life described in such poetic and sincere language.

In short, if you've ever enjoyed a Wodehouse, this book is a must read. And once you have read it, you'll be compelled to read it again and again - when you know the humourous pieces by heart, the serious ones will keep you coming back.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: My annual Spring tonic--wit at its best!
Review: 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.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Just cant get enough
Review: I was introduced to this book by my father...having my dad highly reccomend this book as being 'amusing' and 'genius' - I was not keen . I had seen him sat out in the garden giggling away to himself, which infact was more offputting - what amuses your parents rarely amuses you at 14. Anyway for one reason or another I did eventually start reading this book.

One thing that must be understood about this book is the complete skill and technique of complete verbosity which is used. I am a person who loves words and language this book can not dissappoint anyone with a similar appreciation.

The opening chapter is brilliant - there are so many times I have been reminded of it in everyday life. J the main character and narrative voice, is reading a medical journal. On completion of this he arrives at the conclusion he has symptoms of evry disease listed in the most virulent form - all apart from housemaids knee of course.

A great feature of this book is that it is so instantly accessible and can be put down and picked up - each chapter is completely self contained. As someone who doesnt usually find rereading a book to be a pleasurable experience, I was amazed at how I found it very difficult to let go of the absolute magic of Jerome's, Three Men In A Boat.

If I were to compare this book to anythingelse in order for others to wantr to pick it up and appreciate it as much as I did - I would market it on the grounds that it is a potential monty python film.

I am a complete fan of this story - I have driven people round the bend telling them they must read it and quoting huge chunks of it to then....

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Transatlantic humor
Review: I won't say that _Three Men in a Boat_ isn't funny. It is. But the humor isn't singular and quintessentially English, as it's often described. In fact, it's a lot like Mark Twain's, just not as funny.

If you enjoy the combination of whimsy and satire mixed with travel, you'd do even better to read _Roughing It_, _The Innocents Abroad_, or _A Tramp Abroad_.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: like a firework!!!!
Review: Incredible, bright, with the great sence of humor and wonderful tact. Some books are silly-funny, this BOOK - you'll forget about dinner, family and bad mood (if people who surround you don't like noise - close the door to your room, you will LAUGH).

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Three Men in a Boat
Review: J. is a very sick man. To his horror one day, while reading a medical encyclopedia, he realises that he has every single disease, ailment and injury detailed in the book excepting housemaid's knee. At first he is a bit put out that he isn't suffering from that as well, but then the realisation hits him: He is the sickest man in the world and soon he will die. Fortunately, two friends, George and Harris, and of course Montmorency are all there to cheer him up and they decide to go boating.

Three Men in a Boat is portrayed as a sort of touristy travel novel, but it is so much more than that. J. is a hilarious narrator, constantly remembering past adventures or encounters that almost without fail end with a great punchline. He is a straight-faced absurdist, pointing out the casual failings of humanity to make sense, and this of course includes himself.

While the three man bumble about on their trip, sailing from place to place, J. thoughtfully fills us in on some of the history, colouring these sometimes dry patches with stories of his own, or of George or Harris. There is even the occasional story from the perspective of Montmorency, my favourite perhaps being his unfortunate encounter with a very mean, very large cat.

A problem at first with this book was that I, in my ignorance, was a bit unsure that a 19th century Englishman could be funny. Perhaps tainted by an echo of Victorian England, I was expecting dainty tea parties and self-deprecating foppery. I couldn't have been more mistaken. Jerome is a hugely funny author, and there were many times when I actually laughed out loud. But perhaps the greatest part of this novel is that, throughout the comedy, there is the more serious historical sections, and then, here and there, hidden away between a joke or seven, are quiet, contemplative passages that really hit home with some insights into people.

A fantastic read, and short, at only one hundred and fifty pages, it is highly recommended.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: One of the best books ever written
Review: Jerome K. Jerome has the uncanny ability to bring everyday events which took place over a hundred years ago to life. Even though the events described in this book take place in the 1880's (when they were written), you are made to feel as though the author is contemporary with today's society. This is a rare gift, hard to find among even the best of writers. Even the writer's great sense of humor has managed to survive over 110 years of coltural change, and this book remains one of the funniest literary works around.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The Funniest Book Ever Written
Review: 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!

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Three Men in a boat..why are there so few boating accidents?
Review: Maybe this was the big thing back in 1890, and people back then probably found this book to be hillarious! But back in 1890 the society wasn't post modern like today, and just about everything was different. Today, this "humourous novel" is hopelessly out of date, and not funny at all! I was extremely disappointed with the book and it's outcome. All the way through I remember thinking "it sure has to be hillarious when I get to the fun part, seeing that it hasn't been fun yet" and I kept thinking that until I turned the last page. The End. Alas! It's not funny at all! The correct expression for this book would be that it's an "old hat", seeing that it's very old and not recommendable at all. It's hopelessly outdated and the humour in it that was once good enough to make it "a classic" is now, at best, corny. For funny books I would definetely recommend writers like: Dan Turéll, Douglas Addams, Tony Hawks etc. But three men in a boat... Please, spare yourself from this torment. Why are there so few boating accidents? Unfortunately this isn't the only book about the three men, so no, they didn't drown. Any questions or remarks? ...


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