Three friends, J. (Jerome), Harris and George, are apparent hypochondriacs in need of a vacation. A two-week long boating trip, they feel, would be good for their health. Narrated by “J.”, An embodiment of Jerome K. Jerome himself, the story chronicles in the form of ramblings and digressions, the hilarious adventures and mishaps of the three friends. The novella success led to a sequel, three men on the bummel (1900) and was adapted in several art-forms including film and theatre.