• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

  • By: Douglas Adams
  • Narrated by: Stephen Fry
  • Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (54,224 ratings)

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The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy  By  cover art

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

By: Douglas Adams
Narrated by: Stephen Fry
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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.

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What listeners say about The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    40,152
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Really fun and lighthearted

This is a very lighthearted look at humanity spread out over the universe. It is funny and witty. Let's face it, we all know, or at least have meet a Vogon.

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great story

Loved the story, but got a little muddled towards the end of the book. I would definitely recommend.

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Perfectly silly

Not only is this novel hilarious, but Stephen Fry is about the best narrator who could have read it. He perfectly brings to life the madcap absurdity of the story. One of the best audio books I've yet purchased. Highly recommended!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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You gotta love them both - Adams and Fry

Definitely left us too soon. This must be the 30th time I visit this genius' worlds. Never get old. Do yourself a favor and give it a go. Especially delightful in the voice and character of Mr. Fry. Mandatory.

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I laughed to and from work while listening

This was really a fun book, with colorful language and crazy humor. It's also one of the few books with an amazing reader. His voice and inflection made me wish I could filter all other audio books through him.

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Can't imagine anyone but Fry narrating this

Was already familiar with the story but I don't think I'd actually finished it front to back before the movie came out. But I knew enough to know I liked the book; Stephen Fry as the narrator is what sold me

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The most fun you can have listening to a book

Would you consider the audio edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy to be better than the print version?

Listening is better than reading in this case because of all the different characters, and the fact the man performing / reading the book changes is voice for each character.

What other book might you compare The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy to and why?

I know no other book like or even close to what 'The HitchHiker's Guide to the Galaxy' is.

Which character – as performed by Stephen Fry – was your favorite?

Ford

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Probability of you loving this movie is 100%

Any additional comments?

You can't not enjoy this book!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

hilarious

if you love dry humor, this is the book for you. my wife doesn't even like that humor so much and she laughed the whole time

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Please read the book before you watch the movie

The movie was great, but the book is so good, and they picked the perfect reader.

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Amazing book read with a wonderful voice!!!

I love everything about this audio book. I can listen to it over and over again!!! Thanks Douglas and Stephan!

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