Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

the comedy sci-fi classic, read by Stephen Fry

By: Douglas Adams

Narrated by: Stephen Fry

Read by Stephen Fry.

The intergalactic adventures of Arthur Dent begin in the first volume of the 'trilogy of five', Douglas Adams' comedy sci-fi classic The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

'One of the greatest achievements in comedy. A work of staggering genius' - David Walliams

'By turns authoritative as the narrator, bemused as Arthur Dent, deadpan as Ford Prefect and manic as Zaphod Beeblebrox, he [Stephen Fry] makes an altogether appropriate reader' - The Times

'Master of comedy Stephen Fry delivers a brilliant audiobook narration' - Editor Review

On 12 October 1979 the most remarkable book ever to come out of the great publishing corporations of Ursa Minor (and Earth) was made available to humanity – The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

It's an ordinary Thursday lunchtime for Arthur Dent until his house gets demolished. The Earth follows shortly afterwards to make way for a new hyperspace bypass and his best friend has just announced that he's an alien. At this moment, they're hurtling through space with nothing but their towels and an innocuous-looking book inscribed with the big, friendly words: DON'T PANIC.

The weekend has only just begun . . .

Follow Arthur Dent's galactic (mis)adventures in the rest of the trilogy with five parts: The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, Life, the Universe and Everything, So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish, and Mostly Harmless.

Critic reviews

By turns authoritative as the narrator, bemused as Arthur Dent, deadpan as Ford Prefect and manic as Zaphod Beeblebrox, he [Stephen Fry] makes an altogether appropriate reader

He had almost a Wodehousian style and some of his phrases and jokes entered our language. He changed the way people spoke (Stephen Fry)

Marvellous!

Enjoyed every second of it! Stephen Fry does this, as always, like a boss. Beginning the second part now. Excited!

always amazing to read/ listen

started listening on a Sunday late afternoon and finished it the next Monday it's such a captivating and fun story you can't help but wasn't to listen continuously

A weird but incredible journey

Ohh what a book. It truly is an insane tale but you can’t help but love it. The way this book jumps from one place to another is so incredible and fun. Truly a great time!

Stephen Fry reads Douglas Adams. This is perfect!

Having Stephen Fry read the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is as brilliant as the twinkle in Zaphod Beeblebrox's eye. Fry is perfect as Arthur Dent, who finds himself a reluctant galactic hitchhiker, as Ford Prefect, carefree traveller through the stars, and as Zaphod Beeblebrox, creator of the Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster and President of the Universe. There is not a single flaw in Fry's narration.

Douglas Adams' classic novel retains all its wit, sparkle and insight as an audiobook, and this story will enjoy repeated listenings, time and time again. Buy this audiobook, enjoy it, and enjoy it over and over again. The only flaw in the ointment is that Fry hasn't recorded all the books in the series, but Martin Freeman (who played Arthur Dent in the recent film) is well up to the task.

Wonderful Whimsical Adventure in Space

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audio book. I find that Stephy Fry performance gives the perfect tonality for Douglas Adams work.

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

The closest would be the Eyre Affaire.