The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
- Narrated by:
- Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
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- Unabridged Audiobook
- Release Date:04-28-05
- Publisher: Random House Audio
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.
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Audible Editor Reviews
Why we think it's Essential: Whether he's giving voice to Zaphod's zaniness or Marvin's manic depression, narrator Stephen Fry is pitch-perfect (or is that Prefect?). If you've yet to discover Arthur Dent's end-of-the-world antics in audio - Don't Panic! Just grab the nearest towel, plug in your earbuds - and hold on! �Steve FeldbergPublisher'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.
What Members Say
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"HHTGH - Lightly Fried"
I have Douglas's narration of the Book which is a joy - and Now I Have Stephen Fry's which polishes the Diamond.
First - Rest assured this is a just a reissue of the original - Not a book of the Film. The Film was Ok but not nearly true enough to its sources (Radio Play, Book, TV series - in that order) - This book brings the voice of Fry - who is an excellent narrator (and a close friend of DNA's) into the mix. He brings more life to the book than Douglas did (Douglas was a great speaker - but when it comes to narrating entire books his performance has high and lows) and I recommend this to all. If you havn't heard the story before - First buy the radio series then go back to the books. Buy Fry's narration then go to Douglas' - you will get the best experience that way.66 of 67 people found this review helpful -
"Excellent Audio Book"
I enjoyed the audio book very much. I don't know why, but years ago I tried to read the book but couldn't get through it. Have not seen the movie.
If you like british humour like Monty Python you'll like this book and the audio version as well. I have not heard the earlier version by the author but I would definately listen to something else read by Stephen Fry.
This book made a long 6 hour drive much more enjoyable. Thanks.11 of 11 people found this review helpful -
"Two creative geniuses, how could they go wrong?"
Since I have a long-standing love for Douglas Adams' works and also admire Stephen Fry as an actor, I naturally had high expectations for this audio book - and was in no way disappointed.
If you've never heard the original radio show, do yourself a favor and go find it, because there's nothing quite like it; but if you're looking for a straightforward (no sound effects, etc.) yet brilliant (and delightfully British) reading of the book version, this is it.
I've picked up the H2G2 books many many times when I felt down or needed a chuckle. I'm sure I will listen to this many times too. Money very well spent.11 of 11 people found this review helpful -
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"
This was my first Audio book...a friend told me I should choose a book that was not to long, and recommended The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy...I loved this book...Absolutely Outstanding. The story was fun to listen to. The speaker is also excellent. I have since purchased all of Douglas Adam's stories. Great Read.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful -
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colleen ANCHORAGE, AK, United States 05-26-12 Member Since 2015
My favorite genres are absurdist humor, Sci-fi & modern fantasy, but, as you can see, I'll read just about anything. Don't mind the typos.
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"creative hilarity"
What fun. I loved reading it at 17 and listing to it at 40. I've got my towel!
15 of 16 people found this review helpful -
"Hitched a fun ride to the 70's"
I'm no fan of science fiction but this book is a classic; it is hilarious in its absurdity. If you enjoy the humor of Monty Phyton, you'll love this book. And such a great reader! The intonation and British accent is a perfect match. Loved it, loved it...
15 of 16 people found this review helpful -
"Such a classic"
Still an awesome, funny, all time classic. Well read by an easy to understand british gentleman. Awesome quality, great story. Very easy to visualize from the way it's read.
I have read 3 versions of the book, seen the original BBC mini series, the newer movie, and heard several radio broadcast versions and this is definetly one of the better ones. Well worth anyone's time and money whether it's your first time hearing this story or your 100th. It's funny, intriguing, unique, and just an all-time SciFi classic.
Truly enjoyable from start to finish.12 of 13 people found this review helpful -
"Weird and wonderful"
This satirical, hysterical romp of a novel is a classic now, and would be hard to describe in any case. At breakneck pace, it careens through the galaxy, only rarely pausing long enough for the characters - or the listeners - to catch their breath.
Arguably, the best way to listen to Hitchhiker's Guide is to listen to the original radio show that prompted the novel in the first place.
But if you're going to get an audiobook instead of the radio-show, this is the one. Stephen Fry is top-notch, and clearly having just the right amount of fun.24 of 27 people found this review helpful -
"Bring Back the Adams-Narrated Earlier Version!"
If you've seen the movie, you ain't seen nothin' yet! The book is an exceptional one to listen to IF YOU CAN FIND THE VERSION NARRATED BY DOUGLAS ADAMS. And the one currently offered by Audible.com isn't it.
Stephen Fry's a wonderful actor, but he's nowhere near as wonderful as Adams is as the narrator of his own work. As a side note, Audible.com DOES carry the Adams-narrated versions of the rest of the Hitchhiker's Guide "Trilogy".
The material is truly inspired. Philosophical and down to earth (so to speak). If you've got a post-modern sense of irony but find phrases such as "post-modern sense of irony" pretentious and yawn-worthy -- you've found your pick. It's delightful from start to finish, and offers more food for thought than you might imagine.5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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