It's a long way to go to find out the question that we already know the answer to (42) but it is well worth the journey. Along the way you will meet Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, God, dolphins, Zaphod Beeblebrox, many aliens, and the Babel Fish. You will also see the Earth destroyed (and rebuilt), characters die (and recover), and discover that the Earth is not just a big hunk of mud, but actually one big computer. Douglas Adams uses his British wit to weave a tale that never goes where you expect it too, but always makes sense. Once you read the first book you will be hooked to read the rest (which is good because you have to read all four in order to find the question to the answer of 42)

I read the book, and now I simply admire Douglas Adams. He is a genius, who adds humor to his ridiculously funny topics. Funny names, and mystery behind it all. What else can you say about a book where the main idea is digital watches???!!!!! Ha! Ha! Ha!

The book says it all, the man(Douglas Adams) is a writing genious. He tells you everything you wanted to know about "Life, the Universe and Everything" Did you ever wonder how life started on the planet earth? Dull name earth, but anyways, read the book and you will know. What is 42 and why do the mice want my brain? I do not know this but you will if you read this spectacular book. This is the best book ever written by mankind. You can easily base a philosophy by this book. Life begins to make so much sense after you rad this book. There is no better!!!

The increasingly inaccuratly named Hitchhiker's trilogy (5 books) is the absolute best series I've ever read. I love the characters, plots, and surprises that come in along the way. If you can't travel through time and space on your own, it's worth the time to hitchhike along with Douglas Adams on this wild ride. I recommend these books for everyone - I (obviously) think they're great!!!

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy represents some of the most original, funny, spellbinding material that I've ever read. The first book contains the most creativity, but the least linearity because of the original format (radio shows). The second and third take off from there and create a crescendo of momentum that I wasn't able to put down (I quite literally read all 5 books within a few days time). The last couple of books might be the weakest, but that's mainly because they must follow such incredible prequels. I cannot overemphasize the entertainment that this series offers. The Hitchhiker's Guide represents a true genre-bursting collection. While at first glance these books might seem to appeal mainly to science fiction readers, they actually have very little in common with sci-fi and readers wishing for a sci-fi environment and story may not find what they expect. These books should appeal to any reader, but those old enough to recall some of the 1980's will especially be able to understand the author's period and setting.

This is the best SCI-FI book I've read so far. Its funny and really amazing. After reading it your concept of live, the universe and everything will change totally, you will never leave your tower or even your Sub Ehta Sense-O-Matic. Don't miss it or you will regret it. Mariano Luna :)

If everone could see the world as Douglas Adams did, we'd all be better off. Mix dry British humor with a group of idiosyncratic characters, drop them into the space-time continium and you get non-stop laughs. At times I often found myself with a grin from ear to ear! Sometimes laughing out-loud!! Even a die hard science fiction fan needs a little bit of humor to keep a perspective.

This collection of sharp, witty, and observant books merits a space on every bookshelf. I am VERY disappointed to find that it
is out of print, as the copy I have is a beautiful black cushioned-leather covered, bible-page style with gold page edges.
Needless to say, I'm preserving it as much as I can! Douglas Adams is one of my favorite authors, with his ability to make
human existance seem so amusing, and yet so futile at the same time. He takes life, gives it a large drink, spins it around a few
times, and watches what happens. Adams is not above self-humiliation either:

"The idea for the title first cropped up when I was lying drunk in a field in Innsbruck, Austria. Well, not really drunk, just the
kind of drunk you get from having a couple of stiff Gossers after not having eaten for two days straight on account of being a
penniless hitchhiker. We are talking of a mild inability to stand up."

I THOROUGHLY recommend this book to ANYONE with a sense of humor, a mind for Sci-Fi, or an adequately functioning
brain. Actually, all carbon-based life-forms should be exposed to this book at some point or another...

Enjoy... I know I did!

This collection of sharp, witty, and observant books merits a space on every bookshelf. I am VERY disappointed to find that it is out of print, as the copy I have is a beautiful black cushioned-leather covered, bible-page style with gold page edges. Needless to say, I'm preserving it as much as I can! Douglas Adams is one of my favorite authors, with his ability to make human existance seem so amusing, and yet so futile at the same time. He takes life, gives it a large drink, spins it around a few times, and watches what happens. Adams is not above self-humiliation either:

"The idea for the title first cropped up when I was lying drunk in a field in Innsbruck, Austria. Well, not really drunk, just the kind of drunk you get from having a couple of stiff Gossers after not having eaten for two days straight on account of being a penniless hitchhiker. We are talking of a mild inability to stand up."

I THOROUGHLY recommend this book to ANYONE with a sense of humor, a mind for Sci-Fi, or an adequately functioning brain. Actually, all carbon-based life-forms should be exposed to this book at some point or another...

Enjoy... I know I did!

You get to know the people(or non-people as it may be) and their lives in a singel page. Even if you have never picked up a book, this one will draw you in. It doesn't make much sense If you think too hard about it, so it's great to read anytime.

This is a book I constantly go back to. It's almost a comfort, I know the characters so well. Very entertaining, funny and to stretch a bit...thoughtfull. You may learn nothing from it, (if you do, let me know) but it may keep you busy for a while.

This is not actually the original novel. It's Douglas Adams reading excerpts from each of the novels in the series recorded live at the Almeida Theatre in London before an invited audience. I'd suggest it for the person that already knows all the books in the series and wants to complete their collection. Since it's just the really good bits, it's particularly suited for those times in the car when you're sitting in traffic, your sense of humor is just about nonexistent and you really, really need a good laugh.

Sporting the words "Dont Panic" in large friendly letters the cover to the hitchikers guide conceals such important information as how to see the wonders of the universe for less than 30 altarian dollars a day, how to mix a Jynnin Tonnyx,and which alcoholic games are the most popular the hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy Is an elaborate Textbook reference to anything and everything conceiveable...and quite a
bit that is beyond our comprehension. This is due to the mass
Explorative Journalism and Inter-specie Authoring of the Guide.

That is The hitchikers guide to the galaxy the Textbook in a nutshell...But to sum up the actual book, written by a one Deceased Douglas Adams (Who Is Greatly Missed...not to mention needed to ensure Disney doesnt fumble with his movie) Would take A) the reading of the rest of the series B) a sense of humour C) a realization of impossiblity and D)A very very very long time to explain all of these things to anyone who is willing to listen.

Basically the book is wonderful...pick it up. Read it. Listen to it (originally a radio series on the bbc). Just expose yourself to it by any means necessary.

Period.

My little brother has all of the books on tape, and he listens to them every night. This is a kid who hates all books. The only thing you will regret, is that now you'll have to go and buy the rest of them.

I heard about this book as a humoristic book. Well, it does have some funny parts, but it's not hilarious. It is, though, very interesting. It is the only book I've ever read that doesn't fit itself to your logic, but you need to fit your logic to it. It is a crazy book, and I don't think it fits to all people, but if you liked it, you'll find yourself quating it at any opportunity. I found metaphors in it that fits to almost any discussion: About Capitalism, Zionism, science, and everyday conversations. It's an amazing, funny and weird book and I think you should at least try and read it.

...life forms are required to use a seldom-exercised ability called "imagination" which, with effort, allows the user to paint a mental tapestry that is superior in many respects to any computer generated image or subjective image of perfection.

(takes a breath)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy goes on a bit about the relative superiority of radio as a medium that stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain, but it also notes several references to various works that endure in a medium regarded as deader than the telegraph.

The Hitchhiker's Guide is not only proof that radio is still a viable medium for drama, but that Douglas Adams is a genius. The show, scripted week-by-week by DNA and Geoffrey Perkins was easily translated to books and television with minimal edits. Yes, the second series is a bit off the ultimate track, but it is quite original and the foot notes from Douglas and Perkins are very insightful. These footnotes exist as a log of what took place when it all began and, sadly, as the only memoir to them.

If you can find it, get it.

As a longtime fan of Adam's Sci-Fi Comedy series, I was delighted to discover this book. It was a lot of fun to read, and offered much insight into the process behind the Original Hitchhiker's Guide Radio Show. And there are a few scenes that never made it to the novels. Douglas Adams is funny in any form, and this was no exception.

It's a shame that this book sems to be so hard to find. I was actually introduced to the Hitchhiker stories through the radio show (the audio recordings of which are probably even harder to find), which was a marvel of storytelling and sound effects when it came out (it still is, of course). Ultimately, the script book is a much better read if you have heard the original radio series, but even if you haven't, check it out (if you can). The scripts are written in true Douglas Adams style, with directions written in there that often don't have to do with the show itself (such as Adams' long description of the Bugblatter Beast of Traal), and it may be your only chance to learn about the Haggunenonns, the super-evolutionary race of aliens originally put in place of the rock group Disaster Area during the black stuntship scene. Be warned, however, since the series was written episodically, meaning that Adams never had any grand scheme for the show, and just wrote it as he went along (explains a lot, doesn't it?). You may think that the plot of the Restaurant at the End of the Universe was convoluted, but I thought it made perfect sense in comparison to the plot of the two radio series. Either way, it's a crazy ride, and worth every minute spent trying to make sense of it. If you consider yourself a HHG fan, then take it upon yourself to listen to the original radio series, and then read the scripts (which clarify it a good deal). Just make sure that you know where your towel is first.

This book set is perfect for any cartoonist, from 1 to 99. It gives easy-to-follow directions, and many examples. I got this when I was 10, and it impacted my drawing skills a whole lot! This is worth the money you pay for it.

In his own words, my 7 year old "LOVES drawing cartoons. I tried to draw before I got the kit but I love to do it all the time now that I have the kit. It's the bestest book I ever had." His illustrations are detailed and professional, and he has the confidence to draw on his own and create new stories.

This book is like all the other Wodehouse books, Galahad trying to bring a couple together. It is a wonderful satire on all the earls, lords, dukes etc. etc. This one is about a lover who is posing as a person who is going to paint a pig, the Empress. Wodehouse never finished the book (because he died while writing it), but that makes it even more interesting. But be careful, once you start reading his books, most likely you will not stop. Everybody will be able to enjoy it a little bit, for his books make you laugh until tears come rolling down your cheeks. Cheers! :)

It was a bitter-sweet experience to read this book years ago, knowing it was P.G.'s last, and unfinished to boot. However, the editor (a Wodehouse biographer) included manuscripts and early drafts, showing marginal notes and erasures, Wodehouse's outline of his plot, and false starts of plot lines, and the editor's own analysis. A fascinating look into the process of writing.

Storm Thorgerson is best known, of course, as the premiere album art designer with a 30-year association with Pink Floyd. If you became fond of his work because you're a PF fan, you don't want to miss this book just because Floyd art isn't the primary focus this time around. Storm's writing in Mind Over Matter was very entertaining, but in Eye of the Storm he's assumed an even more relaxed, personally revealing style. His character comes through more clearly, and he's a very engaging character indeed!

Among the book's features is an art concept that was originally intended for a Hey You 1994 concert video. He confesses that the Tree of Half Life concept didn't begin as Pink Floyd art. It tells more than his previous books about his talented associates, for example Keith Breeden (who is unfortunately now retired from the business).

The book is compelling entertainment, and it fills a gap for some of us who missed seeing his intriguing work for less famous bands than Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. My favorite at the moment is the Catherine Wheel art he selected for this book's cover.

While often embarrassing in a public place, laughing out loud while reading is an example of pure pleasure that so rarely occurs that any author capable of producing this effect should be commended. Douglas Adams is such an author. The only problem is his writing style should be taken in small doses, because when read all together you start to get buried in all the clever little comments and they lose their effectiveness. The first two novels in this series are two of the funniest books I have ever read. The basic plot is simple: Earth is destroyed to make way for an interstellar highway and Arthur Dent, one particularly hapless Earthman, is taken along by an interstellar hitchhiker to the far reaches of space. This synopsis does not do justice to the incredible universe Adams drags us into: Ships that run on improbability factors or restaurants checks, a two headed former president of the galaxy who is looking for a real good time, and other events and people too bizarre and numerous to summarize. The problem is that each succeeding book seems to jettison some whimsy for a more serious form of science fiction until in the last book the laughs are hard to find. The first two books deserve the highest rating, but this review is based on all the content contained within. But once you start, you'll want to read all of them, Adams does make sure that the reader wants to know how it all turns out. Hopefully you'll enjoy the journey.

I thought this book "The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy" by Douglas Adams, was amazing. I have never laughed so hard while reading in my life. Adams has a unique style of putting the extremely bizarre into fairly common language. He also has a witty humor that will get you rolling with laughter. The books center around two main characters, Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect, and their adventures so to speak around the galaxy. The two are faced with many bizarre and life threatening events throughout their journeys. They do varies tasks from finding the meaning of life, to saving the galaxy, and watching as the universe is destroyed as they eat a cow which they had had a conversation with a few minutes before hand. The whole book is full of mind-bending contradictions and hilarious out of the blue humor. The plot that I derived form the book, I doubt it is right, is don't sweat the small stuff. The events that happen to Arthur Dent are far worse then the petty stuff we complain about in life. If you read this you need to be up to laughing the whole way through, and a little time to decipher what Adams is saying in the book.

Comedy is so much more likely to succeed in movies than in novel form. So there is that much more reason to celebrate good comedy novels. Douglas Adams' "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" series started out as a radio serial, then went to book and was finally made into a television series. I even hear it may see the big screen soon. For me, the best format so far is the novels.

Adams writes well, has a fertile and sometimes bizarre imagination, peoples his stories with self-absorbed characters and isn't afraid to make the central hero a pessimistic boor. There has been science fiction comedy before this but Adams has earned the crown for the best Sci-Fi satirist, in my opinion at least.

This five-book trilogy revolves around Arthur Dent, supposedly a typical English loser. Poor Arthur gets thrown into one difficult situation after another, not because he is in any way special, but because his best friend, Ford Prefect, happens to be an alien reporter for the most popular book in the history of the universe, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Ford saves Arthur from Earth's immanent destruction, thus derailing Arthur's equilibrium. He doesn't regain his balance until four books later when he falls in love.

Adams is the modern day Oscar Wilde or P. G. Woodhouse. His dialogue is so witty and surprising, that when I first read these books it was impossible to hold in my laughter. And it's not just the occasional quip, sprinkled into an otherwise standard tale; the whole thing tends to build into a crescendo that is almost too funny to bear. I've read this series so many times I've almost memorised each word. Don't miss out on some of the funniest writing to be seen in the last 50 years.