A definite must-read for Jerome K. Jerome fans. Here is the master at his best, though for non-fans, the going may be a bit heavy at places. If you are one of those who has read Three Men in a Boat and are expecting more of the same, you may be a tad disappointed. But if you liked Boat for Jerome's style and eye, then Bummel is definitely for you.

The author, George and Harris decide to take a break and go on a cycling tour of the Black Forest districts. What follows is an immensely enjoyable and often irreverent, though really funny, look at life in the German countryside. The three do manage to get into the usual absurdly funny situations, but finally emerge unscathed and happy from their adventures.

The strength of the book lies in Jerome's sharp eye for detail and sharper mind for humour. Everyday things are described in an incredibly humourous fashion as he pokes gentle fun at Germans, Englishmen and the world at large. The hours spent reading this work are bound to be delightful, and you will come out of it with a smile on your face.

And to answer the inevitable question, "What is a bummel?" here are the closing words of the book:

"A 'Bummel'," I explained, "I should describe as a journey, long or short, without an end; the only thing regulating it being the necessity of getting back within a given time to the point from which one started. Sometimes it is through busy streets, and sometimes through the fields and lanes; sometimes we can be spared for a few hours, and sometimes for a few days. But long or short, but here or there, our thoughts are ever on the running of the sand. We nod and smile to many as we pass; with some we stop and talk awhile; and with a few we walk a little way. We have been much interested, and often a little tired. But on the whole we have had a pleasant time, and are sorry when 'tis over."

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