Interestingly, when this book was released in 1889, there was confusion on whether humour was its theme, or if it was a travel book. Over time, readers got to understated the wit of Jerome’s storyline that revolves around the adventure of three men, George, William and ‘J’ along with their fox terrier called Montmorency who set out on a boat trip down the Thames from a break for their boring lives. What ensues is a compelling set of episodic trials that will keep the reader engaged and also see the funny side of their (mis)adventures.

Round and About; The Best of Thirty-Six years by Busybee

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Like the great Mario, Busybee aka Behram Contractor had a pulse on the common man. He had the wizardry and craft to transform utterly mundane routines into laughable, hilarious episodes. These two titles are a nostalgic compilation of his column Round and About that would appear on the back page of the now discontinued tabloid, The Afternoon Despatch & Courier. Characters like the wife, his dogs, Bolshoi the boxer, and several others became part and parcel of our lives, thanks to his wordplay and light-hearted view of goings-on in Mumbai (then Bombay).

Blistering Barnacles by Albert Algoud

Captain Haddock. Pic Courtesy/Deviantart

The tagline reads an A-Z of The Rants, Rambles and Rages of Captain Haddock but we think it’s more than that. If you’re a fan of Tintin, the Belgian detective, his bumbling comrade, and his fabulous world of adventure and discovery, you’ll love this find that’s dripping with dry wit, classic abuses (that never veer into vulgar territory) and healthy doses of deadpan sarcasm. All the Captain’s utterances are neatly compiled with Hergé illustrations, into this delightful keepsake.

Best Cartoons (series) by Mario de Miranda

Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons

If there is an Indian visual storyteller who was able to create daily life routines through the life of ordinary folk with remarkable accuracy, it is Mario de Miranda. Using illustrations and minimal, mostly witty copy, his storytelling is brought to life by memorable characters and typical Indian scenarios — be it from his home state of Goa or his long association with erstwhile Bombay. The understated humour and LOL moments stay with the reader long after they are done flipping through these insightful compilations.