The House of Mirth [hardcover] Edith Wharton

“But who wants to be foretold the weather? It is bad enough when it comes, without our having the misery of knowing about it beforehand. Published in 1889, three men in a Boat is the most widely acclaimed novel by English author Jerome K. Jerome. Jerome wrote the novel after going on a boating trip along river Thames. Intended initially to serve as a tour guide, the novel, however, was soon overtaken by the comical elements and transformed into the humorous travelogue that is a classic today. 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.”.