The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Technical
  • ID: 17
  • Added: 2025-08-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780593359440
  • Publisher: Del Rey
  • Published: 2021-05-04
  • Formats: 144
  • 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.

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.

A Little Book Problem · 2020-04-30
inventive 4.50

The reviewer appreciates the various adaptations of the story and admires Douglas Adams' unique, chaotic humor and inventive style.

The reviewer is a fan of Douglas Adams' work, highlighting the many different forms the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy has taken, from radio to novels and TV. They find the story gloriously funny and inventive, appreciating the chaotic narrative and the humor that Adams weaves throughout the universe he created. The review conveys a sense of affection for the way the story challenges conventional storytelling and delights with unpredictability and wit.


Quick quotes

    Douglas Adams created all the various and contradictory manifestations of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: radio, novels, TV, computer game, stage...

    The renowned Hitchhiker’s Guide centres on permanently bemused human protagonist Arthur Dent, who wanders the Universe after the destruction of Earth.

    The story is gloriously funny, inventive and chaotic.

Waterstones · 2020-03-05
brilliant 5.00

The book is highly praised for its clever humor, imaginative storytelling, and the way it blends absurdity with profound existential questions.

Waterstones presents the book as a beloved sci-fi classic that skillfully combines humor with deep philosophical themes. The reviewer admires Douglas Adams for crafting a narrative that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, making readers laugh while also prompting them to think about the absurdity of life and the universe. This balance of comedy and thoughtful content contributes to its enduring popularity and critical acclaim.


Quick quotes

    Clever humor and imaginative storytelling make this a beloved classic.

    The book blends absurdity with profound existential questions.

    Douglas Adams crafts a narrative that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.

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