The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

By: Douglas Adams

Narrated by: Stephen Fry

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

The best story, with the best narration.

I absolutely loved the story, and Stephen Fry was the perfect narrator for the book.

Awesome

Good narrator, I just hoped for more of the story, not every chapter is announced or I missed it :)

eh.

Narrator was great! the first book on audible I have struggled to finish, maybe this isn't my kind of book. it was har to follow the story.

Loved it!

This book is hysterical. Stephen Fry narrated so well it was simply a joy to listen too. I look forward to buying the rest of the books in the series.

Fantastic performance of an old favorite

Where does The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top 5.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Marvin. I don't feel so bad about my life when I read / hear him speak about everyday issues.

What does Stephen Fry bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A dry English wit and the ability to vary his voice for the different characters without being goofy.

Any additional comments?

Stephen Fry brought this old favorite book to life with his usual brilliant oratory style. I particularly enjoyed his portrayal of the voice of Marvin the paranoid android!

Better than paper.

I enjoy listening to this more than I did reading it the first time over a decade ago. Great job.

Favorite book now my favorite audio book.

Great reading and a short duration. The story is funny and thought through. I would definitely suggest it to sci-fi lovers.

Fantastic

The great, epic, fun, space, adventure. Or the greatfun-epic/space-adventure? Also, if you liked the movie remember that the book is better.

optional header isn't optional

Great book and the narrator did a great job capturing the story. Apparently I need 3 more words.

As good as a pan-galactic-gargleblaster

Stephen Fry was born to read this book. His wry sense of comedy, ability to wrap his tongue around the alien and present the ridiculous in such a serious way make this book a winner. As good as an Audible gets: it will make you laugh out loud, turn everything upside down and make perfect sense. A joy.