Outside of a Dog: Jerome, Jerome K.: Three Men in a Boat (audio)

Jean

Jean wrote on June 5, 2006 at 5:34 AM:

I love Three Men in a Boat, but you're right, it's all in the tone and the humour, and if they don't work for you, then no amount of rational exposition will convince you.

And I can imagine Martin Jarvis reading it very well indeed.

And yes, towing a boat works pretty much as described. It depends on the waterway being either a canal, or a canalised river (full depth immediately next to the banks), and the progress is slow but very steady. The canals pre-date railways as a way of shifting loads of heavy materials (like coal) or fragile ones (pottery), sometimes pulled by a horse. But even a young couple with their minds on other rthings can pull a boat with very little effort once they get it moving (inertia is on your side, for once).

Kate

Kate wrote on June 5, 2006 at 7:11 PM:

Jean: thanks. In the absence of rail, I guess I can see it.

There's a sequel that I never hear discussed; do you know if it's any good?

Septentrionalis

Septentrionalis wrote on July 3, 2006 at 2:23 PM:

It's been a while since I've read Three Men on the Bummel, and I remember being amused, but none of the contents. So the answer is probably: Sort of good.