The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

by Douglas Adams
The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy cover
Good Books rating 4.05
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Paperback • £16.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8987
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780345453747
  • Publisher: Del Rey
  • Published: 2002-04-30
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy brings together all five classic novels from Douglas Adams' beloved series. Celebrating the 42nd anniversary of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, this collection includes the novels that have captivated readers with their wit, satire, and imaginative storytelling. The series follows Arthur Dent, an ordinary man who finds himself on an extraordinary journey through the cosmos after Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway. Alongside his eccentric companions, Arthur encounters a variety of bizarre and humorous situations, from dining at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe to facing the impending destruction of the universe itself. /n/n The collection also includes the bonus story “Young Zaphod Plays It Safe,” adding even more depth to the richly imagined universe Adams created. With its sharp humor and insightful commentary on human nature, The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a must-read for fans of science fiction and comedy alike.

Reviews
Frappe and Fiction · 2022-02-19
hilarious 4.50

The book is filled with absurdist, deadpan, and dark humor that was found absolutely hilarious. It's definitely one of the funniest books read.

The reviewer found the book to be a treasure trove of humor, particularly enjoying the absurdist and deadpan style. They highlighted how the dark humor added an extra layer of entertainment, making it one of the funniest books they've read. The wit and cleverness of the writing were particularly praised, making the reading experience both enjoyable and memorable. The reviewer also appreciated the unique blend of science fiction and comedy, which kept them engaged throughout.

Quick quotes

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

    This is definitely one of the funniest books I have read for a long time.

    The wit and cleverness of the writing were particularly praised, making the reading experience both enjoyable and memorable.

The Antonio Izzo · 2022-02-18
delightful 4.20

The book is humorous, adventurous, and filled with philosophical insights. It draws heavily on science fiction elements.

The reviewer enjoyed the book's blend of humor, adventure, and philosophical insights, making it a unique and engaging read. They appreciated how the book draws on science fiction elements to create a rich and imaginative world. The humor was particularly praised, as it added a layer of entertainment that kept the reviewer engaged throughout. The philosophical insights were also highlighted, as they provided moments of reflection and deeper meaning. The reviewer found the book to be a delightful mix of genres, making it both enjoyable and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    While drawing a lot upon science fiction, the book is also very humourous and has elements of adventure and moments of philosophical insight.

    The humor was particularly praised, as it added a layer of entertainment that kept the reviewer engaged throughout.

    The philosophical insights were also highlighted, as they provided moments of reflection and deeper meaning.

Phantom Paper · 2017-04-04
thought-provoking 3.50

The book is enjoyable and thought-provoking, with a mix of humor and philosophical insights. It's a unique and engaging read.

The reviewer initially had low expectations but found the book to be more enjoyable and thought-provoking than anticipated. They appreciated the mix of humor and philosophical insights, which made the story unique and engaging. The reviewer enjoyed the adventurous elements and the clever commentary on reality. Overall, it's a memorable and enjoyable read that stands out in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Half-way through the book I decided to read it without expectations of humour and I found it more enjoyable and came to appreciate it more.

    The book is enjoyable and thought-provoking, with a mix of humor and philosophical insights.

    It's a unique and engaging read.

Rabid Readers · 2016-05-29
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is seen as a definitive guide, with reality being frequently inaccurate. The humor and insightful moments are highlighted.

The reviewer appreciates the book's unique take on reality, finding it both humorous and insightful. They noted that the book's humor is not just for laughs but also provides moments of philosophical insight, making it a more profound read. The reviewer enjoyed how the book challenges conventional thinking and offers a fresh perspective on life and the universe. The blend of science fiction and humor was particularly praised, making the book both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    According to Douglas Adams, The Guide is definitive. It's Reality that is frequently inaccurate.

    The humor and insightful moments are highlighted.

    The blend of science fiction and humor was particularly praised, making the book both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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