The Ascent of Rum Doodle

by W. E. Bowman
The Ascent of Rum Doodle cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Comedy/Humor
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 11201
  • Added: 2026-03-04
  • Updated: 2026-03-04
  • ISBN: 9780712668088
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2001-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Ascent of Rum Doodle is a satirical take on the mountaineering genre, drawing inspiration from real-life expeditions. The story follows the leader of an expedition up the 40,000-and-a-half-foot peak of Rum Doodle in the Himalayas, filled with absurdity and humor. /n/n W.E. Bowman's account is a delightful parody that captures the essence of mountaineering literature while adding a comedic twist. The book is a must-read for those who enjoy a good laugh and a clever send-up of adventure narratives.

Reviews
The Guardian · 2020-06-23
fantastic 4.50

The book is a delightful escape into a charming and ridiculous world of mountaineering adventures. It's a joy to read and highly entertaining.

The reviewer absolutely loves this book, finding it a joy to read. They are transported into a charming and ridiculous world of Yogistani summits, filled with icy adventures. The humor and charm of the book make it a standout, and the reviewer highly recommends it for its entertainment value. The book's ability to create a unique and engaging world is particularly praised, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    I love this book.

    I love being transported into Bowman's charming, ridiculous world of Yogistani summits.

    I love hearing the icy adventures.

Beards and Triathlons · 2020-03-08
hilarious 4.00

The book is a hilarious spoof about a mountaineering expedition, filled with witty and unbelievable characters and storylines.

The reviewer finds the book to be an outrageously funny spoof about a mountaineering expedition. The characters and storylines are described as witty and unbelievable, making the book a delightful read. The humor and satire are particularly praised, making it a standout in the genre. The reviewer enjoyed the book's ability to create a unique and entertaining world, filled with memorable characters and situations.

Quick quotes

    The book is a spoof all about the first mountaineering expedition to attempt the climb the legendary Rum Doodle, height 40,000 and a half feet.

    Witty and totally unbelievable characters and story but still very funny.

    We bought it as we were going to Rum doodle the restaurant in Kathmandu named after the book.

Little Bookness Lane · 2017-07-05
outrageous 5.00

The book is an outrageously funny spoof about the ascent of a 40,000-and-a-half-foot peak, making it a cult favorite.

The reviewer describes the book as an outrageously funny spoof about the ascent of a 40,000-and-a-half-foot peak. The humor and satire are particularly praised, making it a standout in the genre. The book's ability to create a unique and entertaining world is highlighted, filled with memorable characters and situations. The reviewer finds it to be a cult favorite for good reason, highly recommending it for its entertainment value.

Quick quotes

    An outrageously funny spoof about the ascent of a 40,000-and-a-half-foot peak.

    The Ascent of Rum Doodle has been a cult favourite for many years.

    The book is a delightful read, filled with humor and satire.

Appears in Lists