First a BBC radio show and then a series of painstaking novels, later a BBC miniseries and later still a video game and even a Hollywood movie, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy offers a multitude of zany insights into the the philosophical conundra of the ages.
If you have not read the original book trilogy, do not stop, do not pass go, do not collect $200, and above all, don’t panic. Just go and read it right now. Dozens of pop-culture references and in-jokes will suddenly make sense, even though the books themselves often don’t, and you’ll be able to join in the annual Towel Day celebrations on May 25th.
The books are available in a wide variety of styles and formats, but I love this cover art by Peter Cross. I bought these fantastic American book club edition hardcovers at a thrift store when I was in college. A friend in high school originally recommended the series and lent me her copy of the Hitchhiker’s Guide omnibus.
When and why I read The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy
I was prompted to re-read the series when a friend decided to throw a HHGTTG-themed party for her 42nd birthday.
Genre: fiction (comedy/science-fiction)
Amazon link: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Date started / date finished: 12-Oct-18 to 13-Oct-18
Length: 209 pages
Originally published in: 1979
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
Date started / date finished: 13-Oct-18 to 14-Oct-18
Length: 217 pages
Originally published in: 1980
Life the Universe and Everything
Date started / date finished: 14-Oct-18 to 15-Oct-18
Length: 182 pages
Originally published in: 1982
