Preview
  • Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

  • By: Douglas Adams
  • Narrated by: Stephen Fry
  • Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,199 ratings)

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Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

By: Douglas Adams
Narrated by: Stephen Fry
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Publisher's summary

A much loved science-fiction classic, this entertaining intergalactic adventure has a lot going for it - including narration by British comedian Stephen Fry. Adams displays his talents for a creating a whole new world in this first of five audiobooks in the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. Packed with brilliant humour, extraordinary characters and a highly original storyline, it's no wonder that this novel is a favourite of so many.

One Thursday lunchtime the Earth gets unexpectedly demolished to make way for a new hyperspace bypass. For Arthur Dent, who has only just had his house demolished that morning, this seems already to be more than he can cope with. Sadly, however, the weekend has only just begun, and the Galaxy is a very strange and startling place.

©1979 Serious Productions Ltd (P)2005 Macmillan Publishers International Limited
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Editorial reviews

Master of comedy Stephen Fry delivers a brilliant audiobook narration of the best-selling novel The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, written by Douglas Adams. Arthur Dent is a very British man having a very bad day. He discovers his friend is an alien and he’s taken off earth just as it’s destroyed to make way for a galaxy highway. To make matters worse, he hasn’t even had his morning cup of tea yet. This ingeniously constructed story takes a humorous look at how something as precious as Earth isn’t always appreciated until it’s gone. A lighthearted and enjoyable listen. Available now from Audible.

Critic reviews

'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

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

What listeners say about Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

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Marvellous!

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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One of my favourite books of all time...

Best anthology ever. Listening to Steven Fry's stellar delivery of the first book was a fantastic way to reminisce.

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What the heck!

Cannot believe it took me this long to read Douglas Adams. Listening to the audible version was a blast. Light on angst, heavy on the hilarious. Fantastic narration.

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Loved it.

An amazing interstellar adventure with lots of humour and a great story! A must read.

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A classic for the ages

A classic for the ages superbly narrated by Stephen Fry. If you don't know the answer to what is the meaning of life, load & listen now. Just don't forget your towel.

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A good introduction

Really enjoyed the book - have others in the series to read - looking forward to going on the journey

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Brilliantly Barmy

Adams has a unique way of creating a world that is the perfect level of silly while still consistent enough to still make some sense. Fry does an excellent job of bringing the characters alive.

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