The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical
  • ID: 17
  • Added: 2025-08-10
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780593359440
  • Publisher: Del Rey
  • Published: 2021-05-04
  • Formats: 151
  • Reviews: 4

This beautifully illustrated edition of the New York Times bestselling classic celebrates the 42nd anniversary of the original publication—with all-new art by award-winning illustrator Chris Riddell. SOON TO BE A HULU SERIES • “An astonishing comic writer.”—Neil Gaiman Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read It’s an ordinary Thursday morning for Arthur Dent . . . until his house gets demolished. The Earth follows shortly after to make way for a new hyperspace express route, and Arthur’s best friend has just announced that he’s an alien. After that, things get much, much worse. With just a towel, a small yellow fish, and a book, Arthur has to navigate through a very hostile universe in the company of a gang of unreliable aliens. Luckily the fish is quite good at languages. And the book is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy . . . which helpfully has the words DON’T PANIC inscribed in large, friendly letters on its cover. Douglas Adams’s mega-selling pop-culture classic sends logic into orbit, plays havoc with both time and physics, offers up pithy commentary on such things as ballpoint pens, potted plants, and digital watches . . . and, most important, reveals the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything. Now, if you could only figure out the question. . . .

Reviews
booklore.co.uk · 2025-09-02
thoughtful 4.20

The review highlights the book's deadpan gallows humor and its blend of comedy with thought-provoking themes.

This review discusses how Douglas Adams skillfully uses deadpan gallows humor to create a story that is both entertaining and intellectually engaging. The reviewer notes that beneath the comedic surface, the book provokes thought about deeper issues, making it a multi-layered read. They appreciate the balance of humor and philosophy, which gives the book weight and lasting value beyond mere comedy.


Quick quotes

    This deadpan gallows humour fills the pages of Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

    The book is weighty and thought-provoking despite its humor.

    Adams blends comedy with deeper themes effectively.

At Boundary's Edge · 2024-05-13
intriguing 3.50

The book is full of absurdist humor and witty observations, making it a hilarious and thought-provoking read. However, the plot can feel disjointed at times.

At Boundary's Edge's review highlights the book's absurdist humor and witty observations, which make it a hilarious and thought-provoking read. The reviewer appreciates the clever use of language and the unique perspective on life's absurdities. However, they note that the plot can feel disjointed at times, which can be a bit frustrating. Despite this, the reviewer finds the book to be a classic that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes are timeless, making it a classic that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.


Quick quotes

    It is full of very absurdist, deadpan and rather dark humor, which I found absolutely hilarious.

    The story skips from location to location with nothing but coincidence.

    The book's themes are timeless, making it a classic that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Motherbooker Blog · 2022-03-18
great 4.00

The book's tone and humor are unmistakably unique, making it a standout in the science fiction genre. The author's presence is felt strongly throughout the narrative.

Motherbooker Blog's review emphasizes the unique tone and humor of the book, which sets it apart in the science fiction genre. The reviewer feels that the author's presence is strongly felt throughout the narrative, making it a personal and engaging read. The book is praised for its clever use of language and its ability to make readers laugh while also making them think. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes are timeless, making it a classic that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.


Quick quotes

    The tone of voice, the jokes, the general silliness is unmistakably him.

    He inhabits this book in such a noticeable way.

    The book's themes are timeless, making it a classic that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

The Letterpress Project · 2020-07-09
inspiring 4.30

The review praises the book's ability to inspire young readers through its imaginative storytelling and humor, emphasizing its lasting appeal.

This perspective focuses on the book's role in inspiring young readers by blending humor with imaginative science fiction. The reviewer notes that Douglas Adams' work remains engaging and accessible, making it a strong recommendation for children and young adults. They highlight the book's unique style and wit, which not only entertains but also sparks curiosity about the universe, making it a valuable read for developing minds.


Quick quotes

    If, like me, you’ve always adored this book, you’ll love sharing it with young readers.

    Its imaginative storytelling and humor have a timeless appeal.

    The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy inspires curiosity about the universe.

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