First published in 1956, The Ascent of Rum Doodle quickly became established as mountaineering classic. As an outrageously funny spoof about the ascent of a 40,000-and-a-half-foot peak, many thought it inspired by the 1953 conquest of Everest. But Bowman had drawn on the flavour and tone of earlier adventures, of Bill Tilman and his 1937 account of the Nandi Devi expedition. The book's central and unforgettable character, Binder, is one of the finest creations in comic literature.
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"Hilarious. an ascent up the 40,000-and-a-half foot peak (in what can only be Nepal) by pompous English colonially nasal types. Much like "Three Men in a Boat" in its thrashing of English classism. a riot. " — dianne (4 out of 5 stars)
"Hilarious. an ascent up the 40,000-and-a-half foot peak (in what can only be Nepal) by pompous English colonially nasal types. Much like "Three Men in a Boat" in its thrashing of English classism. a riot. "
" An extended parody on Mountain climbing. Anyone who has ever attempted a a walk, will sympathize and laugh at the antics of this crew. "
" It's possible I'm not getting the British humor, but I really didn't think this book was funny. I expected it to be an enjoyable read, but found myself forcing my way through it and stopped two thirds through. "
" Really great short fun book especially if you have ever read a climbing account... I kept snorting at restaurants and hand to read in my room so people wouldn't think I was crazy. "
" A good, enjoyable read with a few laugh out loud moments. Not a patch on 3 men in a boat though as a lot of the jokes are told over and over again, nevertheless recommended. I'd give it a 3.5 if possible. "
" I couldn't put this down, when I did as the last page is turned, I laughed so hard that I felt like rolling on the floor, if i let myself be a toddler all over again! "
" Hilarious. an ascent up the 40,000-and-a-half foot peak (in what can only be Nepal) by pompous English colonially nasal types. Much like "Three Men in a Boat" in its thrashing of English classism. a riot. "
" I enjoyed it. A bit of a one-joke idea but very well done. I laughed out loud at at least one point so that's got to be good. "
" This book is ridiculously amazing/hilarious. Read it. "
" From a man that was an engineer or something of that kind to write such a laughter inducing book makes me wonder why the whole world hasn't read this. "
" Absolutely hilarious, one of the best parodies ever written. This book was personally rescued from obscurity by Bill Bryson, who recognized its true brilliance; that it could have been lost forever is terrifying. "
" If Amelia Bedelia's mountaineering uncle led a serious climbing expedition, it would look a bit like this ascent of Rum Doodle. The book was a short, silly and enjoyable read. "
" This was good but...the parody thing did get a little tired at times. But overall very funny! "
" I'll write a review when I'm feeling better... please send champagne now. "
" Too funny, bizarre and well written. Very memorable characters especially Constant's back story and the issues with Pong. "
" The classic satire of mountaineering and early 20th century British adventure expeditions captured in delicious deadpan wit. "
" Just ace, very funny. "
" The funniest book I've ever read, had to limit myself to no more than a chapter a day or would have finished it on the first day. "
" You can't call yourself a mountaineer unless you've read this book. It's "the" classic spoof of Himalayan climbing in the seige era of the 30s through 50s. "
" One of the most hilarious books I've ever read. Years later I can still vividly imagine Pong, the cook, and the meals he prepared. "
" It wasn't hilarious, but it was amusing. Short read as well. "
" You probably have to like mountaineering stories to like this, but I do, and I loved it. Fast read, and a well sustained parody. "
" What a hoot! One to read again whenever you need a laugh. The Bill Bryson intro in this edition is a star also. "
" This is one of those books that you have to be in exactly the right mood to appreciate. If you aren't, it reads like a second rate Monty Python sketch that goes on too long, if you are, it's absolutely hilarious. "
" Though I wouldn't describe it as "one of the funniest books" I'll ever read, (as Bill Bryson blurbed on the cover of the edition I borrowed from the library) this was a fun read with many laugh-out-loud moments. "
" This is, by far, one of the funniest books ever written. Even though you have never heard of it and it is extremely difficult to find, look for it, pick it up, and get ready for a good laugh. "
" a little dated but.... "
" not as good as "a confederacy of dunces" "
" Really struggled to finish. Didn't find it very funny at all... "
" A wonderfully quick, silly little book. Loved it so much that I read it in a night. "
" Silliness as only a Brit could write. I give it a 153 thumbs up! "
" You will find this book promnently on the front shelf of every bookstore in Thamel, the neighborhood of Kathmandu where all the mountaineers stay when in town, going to- or coming-back. Wonderful parody. "
" A great example of that wonderful, understated dry British wit. Monty P{ython takes on Everest as narrated by John Cleese. Great fun. "
" I picked this up in Kathmandu after finding out one of the characters has my surname. "
" Recommended read for climbers with a dry sense of humor. "
" Since I visited the bar inspired by the book thought i'd read the book as well. You could call it backward integration; i guess. "
" This is perhaps the epitome of mountaineering literature. Sine qua non for any mountain library! "
" hilarious. pay attention to the numbers "
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