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The Ascent of Rum Doodle cover art

The Ascent of Rum Doodle

By: W. E. Bowman
Narrated by: Terry Wale, Bill Bryson
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

First published in 1956, The Ascent of Rum Doodle quickly became established as a 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.

©1989 W. E. Bowman (P)2010 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about The Ascent of Rum Doodle

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  • Overall
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Very good entertainment

A very rewarding book. So well written. Flawless deadpan narration by Terry Wale who absolutely 'gets' everything about this story. Charmingly, the main character misunderstands almost everything that happens. Great humour.

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2 people found this helpful

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Classic British humour of a bygone age

Would you listen to The Ascent of Rum Doodle again? Why?

Probably, it was a really easy listen enjoyable romp featuring the unique 'Britishness' of the early 20th century and is not afraid to laugh at itself. If I was in need of a very silly, funny and under it all, heartwarming tale that is not taxing to the mind, doesn't make you think too much this would be my first choice. I can see myself listening to this again while I work and scaring the horses laughing.

Would you recommend The Ascent of Rum Doodle to your friends? Why or why not?

It would really depend on the friend. To be clear, this is not up everybody's street. But if a friend shared my enjoyment of this type of comedy rooted in classic Britishness then absolutely I would recommend.

What three words best describe Terry Wale and Bill Bryson ’s voice?

Clear, fun and very british. I keep going on about this Britishness thing and even though I am British myself and live in England what I am referring to is the overblown stereotype of early 20th century, public school educated with RP English accents. The reading brought every bit of that out and gave a life to the story that would have been lost if I was reading the book myself.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I am not sure at all that this book would work as a film. But if it did I think it would be:Do YOU have a fiancee?

Any additional comments?

I heard about this book through Radio 4 book of the week. The story and comments it received on the show grabbed my interest. I started hoping for a silly romp full of classic British humour and I got just that. Think Carry on film without the adult humour and smuttiness.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Deserves it's legendary status

Travel writing for the armchair humorist with a fantastic cast of endearingly caricatured characters and steady stream of running jokes that perfectly apes the earnest, serious travel writing of its time. Shades of PG Wodehouse, Dad's Army, J.K. Jerome and more.



It's amazing that this book is not more widely known but its obscurity makes it very pleasant surprise. I just wish someone would read / record the sequel - Cruise of the Talking Fish.

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Brilliantly funny story

Having read the book many years ago, I knew this to be a very funny story. Furthermore, the brilliant narration by Terry Wale enhances the comedy, so listening to this is guaranteed to have you chuckling out loud.

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1 person found this helpful

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My favourite audiobook

This is absolutely superb and thoroughly joyous.
I love W.E.Bowman, and this narration is perfect. This is genuinely the funniest book I’ve ever read, and I cannot recommend it enough.
If you have a bit of a silly sense of humour and love a bit of British nonsense, you will not go wrong with this.
A genuine tonic and delightfully charming. Second to none.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The funniest book you've never heard of.

This book has always been the funniest I've ever known, mixing hilarity with cheerful obliviousness and beautiful prose written in a simpler time.

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  • g
  • 11-07-15

So funny.

The funniest book I've ever read. This should be much better known about . A classic !

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Great fun

Brilliant fun story. The best of British satirical wit. Should be read by all right thinking englishmen.

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What a fantastic listen!

The Ascent of Rum Doodle is seriously one of the funniest books I've ever read. It's silly nature belies the satire of machismo and very British "stiff-upper-lip"ness.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a hilarious read. Give it a couple of chapters and you won't be disappointed!

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A laugh out loud masterpiece

As a keen reader /listener of factual mountain adventure accounts I find this book hilarious
it is written and expressed in much the same way as books of expeditions were at the time in 1950’s - a brilliantly parody delivered by an exceptional narrator,

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