
A weary narrator finds himself tangled in the everyday chatter of a bustling household, where a gentle guide, a laughing philosopher, and a steadfast friend each nudge him toward a different kind of freedom. When the conversation drifts to the idea of a “complete change,” the trio’s restless yearning for adventure clashes with the comforting, if chaotic, rhythm of family life.
Harris, ever the practical joker, proposes a bicycle tour through the Black Forest as the perfect antidote to domestic monotony, while George argues for the dull safety of “business.” Their banter—peppered with philosophical asides, witty anecdotes, and the occasional moral lesson—captures the humor of ordinary people dreaming of escape. As the family’s matriarch reminds them of obligations and a child’s whims, the stage is set for a light‑hearted quest that promises both comic mishaps and gentle reflections on what it truly means to break free.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (368K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Price
Release date
2000-05-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1859–1927
Best remembered for the comic classic Three Men in a Boat, this English writer had a gift for turning everyday mishaps into warm, sharp humor. His work helped make late-Victorian comedy feel lively, modern, and very human.
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