Three in Norway, by Two of Them by J. A. Lees and Walter J. Clutterbuck

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Three in Norway, by Two of Them by J. A. Lees and Walter J. Clutterbuck

(1 User reviews) 554

By Chloe Ramirez Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Pioneer History

Authors: Clutterbuck, Walter J., 1853-1937 Published By : Clutterbuck, Walter J., 1853-1937

Book Language: English

Hey, I just finished this absolute gem from 1882 that feels like finding a time capsule! It's called 'Three in Norway, by Two of Them' and it's the real travel diary of two young British guys, J.A. Lees and Walter Clutterbuck, who decided in the 1880s to just... go to Norway. They weren't explorers looking for glory. They just wanted to fish, hunt, and see what life was like in the remote Norwegian wilderness. The main 'conflict' isn't some dramatic plot twist—it's the hilarious, sometimes frustrating, always honest struggle of two very proper Englishmen trying to figure out how to survive in a land of midnight sun, stubborn ponies, and a language they can't speak. They get lost, they argue about how to pack, they try to cook terrible meals, and they attempt to fish in rivers that seem determined to keep their secrets. Reading it feels like you're right there with them, sharing their wonder at the fjords and laughing at their misadventures. If you've ever dreamed of just packing a bag and escaping to the woods, this book is your 140-year-old kindred spirit.

File: Three in Norway, by Two of Them by J. A. Lees and Walter J. Clutterbuck

Published in 1882, this book isn't a novel. It's the actual, unvarnished travel journal of two friends, J.A. Lees and Walter Clutterbuck. Tired of city life, they set off for a summer in Norway with one simple, glorious goal: to live off the land by hunting and fishing.

The Story

The story follows their journey from England to the wilds of western Norway. They hire a local guide, pack their gear (which includes everything from rifles to a 'library' of books), and head into the mountains. There's no villain here except maybe the weather, the terrain, and their own comical inexperience. Each chapter is a snapshot of their days: trying to communicate with their Norwegian helper, the triumph of catching a big trout, the disaster of a failed stalk on a reindeer, or the simple peace of camping under the never-dark summer sky. They describe the people they meet in remote farmhouses, the stunning beauty of the glaciers, and the sheer physical challenge of moving through an untamed landscape.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book because it's so genuine. These guys aren't heroes; they're just... guys. Their excitement is contagious, and their complaints are relatable. When Lees gets grumpy about carrying too much bacon, you feel it. When Clutterbuck marvels at the silence of the forests, you're right there with him. It captures a specific, magical moment in travel history—after the age of pure exploration, but before modern tourism. They went not to conquer, but to experience. The writing is fresh, funny, and full of vivid details that make 1880s Norway feel immediate.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves real-life adventure stories, armchair travel, or a good dose of historical charm. If you enjoy Bill Bryson's witty travelogues or the quiet observations of a writer like Henry David Thoreau, you'll find a familiar and delightful spirit here. It's a slow, peaceful, and often funny escape into a world of simple challenges and profound natural beauty. Just be warned: it might give you a serious urge to buy a fishing rod and book a one-way ticket to the mountains.