The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

By: Douglas Adams

Narrated by: Stephen Fry

Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last 15 years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.

Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide ("A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.") and a galaxy full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox, the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; and Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years.

Where are these pens? Why are we born? Why do we die? Why do we spend so much time in between wearing digital watches? For all the answers stick your thumb to the stars. And don't forget to bring a towel!

Listen to the rest of Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy "trilogy."

Want to learn more about the new Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy movie? Listen to this interview with Robbie Stamp, close friend of Douglas Adams and executive producer of the film.

©1980 Serious Productions Ltd (P)2005 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Douglas Adams is pure genius

I read this book a few years ago and was left with the feeling that Douglas Adams was a pure genius - the Monty Python and Andy Kaufman of literature. In other words, he has a very peculiar sense of humor, but if you find it funny you will be laughing to hard that people will be staring at you on the subways. Now, I listened to a version of the book prior to the release of the 2005 movie, so I don't know if this new version of the book by random house audio is the same or if it has been modified for the movie. Frankly the movie stank with comparison to the original book so hopefully this is the original book just re-narrated or re-released.

Two creative geniuses, how could they go wrong?

Since I have a long-standing love for Douglas Adams' works and also admire Stephen Fry as an actor, I naturally had high expectations for this audio book - and was in no way disappointed.

If you've never heard the original radio show, do yourself a favor and go find it, because there's nothing quite like it; but if you're looking for a straightforward (no sound effects, etc.) yet brilliant (and delightfully British) reading of the book version, this is it.

I've picked up the H2G2 books many many times when I felt down or needed a chuckle. I'm sure I will listen to this many times too. Money very well spent.

I read this some twenty years ago

I was stuck in the vast emptyness of Yuma Arizona, a one gas station, Mcdonalds, Del Taco kind of place. Stationed there as 19 y/o US Marine I found the whole experience there miserable at best. Then on the second day a lovely young girl gave me this book to read, she said it was funny and filled up the boredom that enveloped Yuma. I took it and read it and loved it. True I do have a warped sense of humor, or at least those who know me would claim. Which may explain my passion for all of Douglas Adams books. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to listening to this book, and after that I'm off to see the movie, well maybe not the movie. I'll wait for the DVD, $8 for popcorn is bit too pricey for me.

Just the right voice for this story

I've long been a fan of this series by Douglas Adams and purchased this audiobook to share it with my children on a long road trip. Well, now we've got two more fans. Stephen Fry is a pleasure to listen to . . .I'd probably listen to his grocery list. But, given the excellent deadpan humor of this novel, he gave a genius reading.

I can't love this book enough!

This book is still funny even after almost 40 years it's a classic and I highly recommend it. Stephen Fry voice acting is amazing

Pure Douglas Adams insanity

This is the first part of the famous Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy trilogy (plus a couple extra volumes). It is a perfect example of the insane and illogical universe created by the author. This is admirably narrated by Stephen Fry, who's delivery perfectly fits the subversive style of the story.

If you enjoy things like Monty Python or Red Dwarf, this is absolutely for you. If you prefer the universe to make perfect logical sense, this might be a bit more challenging... but you should still give it a try.

Not impressed by this book...

I know it's supposed to be a classic, but I had a hard time wading through the frivolous make-believe. I know it's sci-fi, I know it's fiction, but the overly done up foundation of characters and plants and systems and OMG! was distracting to me. The plot all by itself was thin, and lacked substance IMO.

But that's just my opinion.

Amazing and entertaining!

This is by far one of the most important cornerstones to Science Fiction there is. And Stephen Fry reading it to me was the best way to experience it.

Stephen Fry is wonderful!

Although I have read this book before myself. I thoroughly enjoyed Stephen Fry’s reading of this audiobook. His voice is soothing and he tells the story with gusto. It was an excellent choice for my first audiobook.

Nice comedy story

Good book. Nice British Humor. Story wasnt the best but was good for its purpose. I dont have anything bad to say really.