Overview: "Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)" is a humorous novel from 1889 that captures a comic adventure of three friends and their dog on a boat trip along the River Thames. Set in 19th-century England, the story explores themes of leisure, friendship, and the absurdities of everyday life. With both satire and slapstick, the narrative offers insights into human nature and society during that era.

Ailments and Antics

The narrator, known simply as J., and his friends Harris and George find themselves in a melancholy state, lounging idly and lamenting their various ailments in J.'s room. J., in particular, often suspects himself of having numerous illnesses. At one point, after perusing a medical book, he believes he embodies every malady listed, save for "housemaid’s knee." This introspection leads him to visit a doctor, hoping to present a diagnostic challenge. The physician, however, prescribes J. a hearty regimen of beefsteak and bitter beer every six hours. The remedy seems effective, as J. lives to tell the tale.

Seeking Respite

Desiring a break from their monotonous existence, the trio considers several options for a change of scenery and relaxation, including a sea voyage. Having heard tales of seasickness and financial losses—like a friend who prepaid for meals he was too ill to eat—J. quickly dismisses the idea of a maritime adventure. Instead, they settle on a boat trip up the Thames River to Oxford, despite their dog Montmorency's apparent disapproval.

Packing and Departure

The plan is to embark from Kingston, with George joining later at Chertsey due to work commitments. They deliberate over logistics, such as sleeping and dining arrangements, eventually deciding to sleep in the boat and prepare their own meals. Harris, noted for his preference for comfortable lodgings, is skeptical of this approach, as he is more accustomed to knowing the best pubs across England.

Cheese and Other Challenges

While compiling their list of provisions, J. recalls a past experience involving two cheeses he was tasked to transport from Liverpool to London. The overpowering odor quickly cleared out a crowded train compartment, leaving J. to ride alone. Upon delivery, the cheese's pungency drove his friend's wife to seek refuge in a hotel, and the cheeses were ultimately buried on a desolate beach. This memory serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of careful selection of supplies.

Delayed Start and Misadventures

Although Harris and J. plan for an early start, they oversleep, gathering their belongings far later than intended. Unable to secure a cab, they become the subject of derisive comments from onlookers as they struggle with their luggage. At Waterloo Station, confusion over their train's departure platform leads them to bribe a train engineer to transport them to Kingston, an opportunity he seizes with uncertainty of his own route. Eventually, they reach their starting point.

Getting Lost and Other Mishaps

Harris, ever the explorer, once attempted to navigate Hampton Court maze with a map, underestimating the challenge. He unwittingly led a group of trusting tourists into a labyrinthine ordeal, only resolved by a seasoned keeper's return. Such escapades highlight the unpredictable nature of their journey.

Setting Sail

Once underway, the travelers divide tasks—Harris rowing, J. steering, and Montmorency enjoying the ride. However, J.'s daydreaming results in an accidental collision with the towpath. After regrouping and picking up George, the journey properly begins.

Onboard Challenges

Their boat is equipped for nighttime accommodations, featuring hoops and a canvas canopy. Attempting to assemble it devolves into chaos, with George and Harris entangled in the fabric while J. dutifully holds position. After considerable struggle, they manage to extricate themselves and proceed.

Tea Time Troubles

The friends use a spirit stove for making tea, employing a superstitious tactic of ignoring the kettle to hasten boiling. Occasionally, they must feign disinterest to coax the water to heat. Montmorency, vexed by the kettle's whistle, once attempted to subdue it by biting the spout, thereafter opting only to growl.

Resource Shortages

Securing water sometimes proves troublesome. Misguided by an old lock tender's advice to use river water, they boil some for tea, only to be deterred by the sight of a dead dog drifting downstream.

Culinary Experiments

None of the trio boasts culinary skills, but George suggests making an Irish stew, a dish ideal for disposing of leftovers. As they prepare the meal, Montmorency, keen on the concept, contributes a dead rat he finds. The stew, a culinary mishmash, becomes an emblem of their haphazard endeavors.

Laundry Woes

At Streatley, they engage a washerwoman to handle their laundry, as their attempts to clean clothes in the river had resulted in muddy garments. The woman charges exorbitantly, reflecting the labor-intensive task she undertakes.

A Fishy Tale

Stopping at an inn near Wallingford, George and J. encounter a glass-encased trout, each local boasting of having caught it. When George accidentally knocks the case, the plaster of Paris fish shatters, unraveling the tall tales spun around it.

Homeward Bound

Poor weather plagues their return journey from Oxford, leading to card games and banjo playing to pass the time. Ultimately, they abandon the trip, leaving the boat at Pangbourne and returning to London by train. After a satisfying meal at a French restaurant and a brief stop at the Alhambra, they reflect on their escapade, agreeing it was wise to leave the boat behind.

Critical Assessment

"Three Men in a Boat" serves as a snapshot of a bygone era, blending genuine humor with contrived antics. While some scenes rely on forced jokes, others capture delightful absurdities, revealing Jerome K. Jerome's knack for observations on human nature. Despite its unevenness, the novel's depiction of Victorian leisure and its comedic charm endure, with Montmorency the dog providing a standout comedic presence. Ultimately, the book remains a lighthearted diversion without pretense of profound messaging.