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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  • ID: 8987
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-24
  • ISBN: 9780345453747
  • Publisher: Del Rey
  • Published: 2002-04-30
  • Reviews: 4

Celebrating its 42nd anniversary, The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy brings together all five classic novels in one volume. The series begins with Arthur Dent being saved from Earth's demolition by Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised Guide. Together, they embark on a wild adventure through the galaxy, encountering bizarre characters and situations that will make you laugh until you cry. The collection includes The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, Life, the Universe and Everything, So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish, and Mostly Harmless, along with the bonus story “Young Zaphod Plays It Safe.”/n/nDouglas Adams's droll wit and keen eye for detail make this series a timeless classic. With sharp satire and brilliant writing, the Hitchhiker series ranks among the best in science fiction, offering a unique blend of humor, adventure, and philosophical musings on life, the universe, and everything.

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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