Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Pan Books (London, 1982). 1st edition, 1st printing. 162 pages. £1.50.
Description
Fiction. Science Fiction. Thriller. Humor (Fiction.) HTML:Now celebrating the 42nd anniversary of The Hitchhiker�s Guide to the Galaxy, soon to be a Hulu original series! �Wild satire . . . The feckless protagonist, Arthur Dent, is reminiscent of Vonnegut heroes.��Chicago Tribune The unhappy inhabitants of planet Krikkit are sick of looking at the night sky above their heads�so they plan to destroy it. The universe, that is. Now only five individuals stand between the killer robots of Krikkit and their goal of total annihilation. They are Arthur Dent, a mild-mannered space and time traveler who tries to learn how to fly by throwing himself at the ground and missing; Ford Prefect, his best friend, who decides to go insane to see if he likes it; Slartibartfast, the indomitable vice president of the Campaign for Real Time, who travels in a ship powered by irrational behavior; Zaphod Beeblebrox, the two-headed, three-armed ex-president of the galaxy; and Trillian, the sexy space cadet who is torn between a persistent Thunder God and a very depressed Beeblebrox. How will it all end? Will it end? Only this stalwart crew knows as they try to avert �universal� Armageddon and save life as we know it�and don�t know it! �Adams is one of those rare treasures: an author who, one senses, has as much fun writing as one has reading.��Arizona Daily Star.… (more)
Media reviews
Adams delights in cosmic pratfalls, and if he sometimes loses track of his narrative, he more than makes up for it by confirming what many have suspected all along: "He learned to communicate with birds and discovered that their conversation was fantastically boring. It was all to do with wind
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speed, wingspans, power-to-weight ratios and a fair bit about berries." Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member susiesharp
These books are incredibly hard to review because how do explain the craziness that goes on. You just have to read or in my case listen and enjoy the ride!
I love this series and am enjoying them thoroughly!
I listened to this on audio so here is a review of the audio portion of this book:
The
On to, So Long, and Thanks For All The Fish
I love this series and am enjoying them thoroughly!
I listened to this on audio so here is a review of the audio portion of this book:
The
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narrator in this one is Martin Freeman who played Arthur Dent in the movie version of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. I'm getting used to him but the first one was narrated by Stephen Fry and I did like his narration better.On to, So Long, and Thanks For All The Fish
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LibraryThing member Ti99er
The continuing saga of the Hitchhikers trilogy. Here is another laugh riot volume of space travel lunacy from the master of sci-fi humor, Douglas Adams. What more can be said of his work that hasn't already been said. If you haven't read the series, it is time you did.
LibraryThing member debnance
No idea what this book is about,if anything; perhaps it reallyis about everything. Lots of fun,nevertheless.
LibraryThing member MoonshineMax
A lacadaisical lark through the universe with the usual suspects, Arthur, Ford, Zaphod, Trillian and Marvin. However, while I continued to enjoy the entertaining and amusing commentary on the situations, the plot was poor and contrived, and the action, while being credibly off-beat, had a continued
While good, the focus on a single plot to drive at dragged down what could have been another classic. Average with occasional flashes of brilliance
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lacking that the average sci-fi fan will know, of believability. This was not the case with the previous two in the Trilogy of Four, as their 'plot' structure was much less involved with a single event. While good, the focus on a single plot to drive at dragged down what could have been another classic. Average with occasional flashes of brilliance
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LibraryThing member sweetiegherkin
This is the third installment in the Hitchhiker’s Guide trilogy (but not the last book in the series!). We meet with the usual characters – Arthur, Ford, Trillian, Zaphod, and Marvin – although Zaphod and Marvin have less “screen time” in this book than in the previous two. There is also
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the usual adventure and snarky dialogue/narration involved throughout, which makes this a quick and humorous read. My one minor complaint is that it took a bit of time before the plot really got going, although the setup information proved necessary later and was amusing to read along the way anyway. Show Less
LibraryThing member mrsdwilliams
Third book in the Hitchhiker "trilogy."
The inhabitants of planet Krikkit find out that they are not alone in the universe and so they plan to destroy everyone who is not them. Our heroes (Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Slartibartfast, Zaphod Beeblebrox, and Trillian) must try to save the universe from
A few of my favorite parts: Wowbagger the Infinitely Prolonged, who is on a quest to personally insult every individual in the Universe - in alphabetical order; Arthur's flying lessons, where he tries to throw himself at the ground - and miss; Agrajag, who keeps getting reincarnated, only to be accidentally killed, repeatedly, by Arthur.
The inhabitants of planet Krikkit find out that they are not alone in the universe and so they plan to destroy everyone who is not them. Our heroes (Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Slartibartfast, Zaphod Beeblebrox, and Trillian) must try to save the universe from
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the white killer robots of Krikkit. A few of my favorite parts: Wowbagger the Infinitely Prolonged, who is on a quest to personally insult every individual in the Universe - in alphabetical order; Arthur's flying lessons, where he tries to throw himself at the ground - and miss; Agrajag, who keeps getting reincarnated, only to be accidentally killed, repeatedly, by Arthur.
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LibraryThing member ariebonn
Life, the Universe and Everything is the third book in the The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. I read the first two book in the series and totally loved them, so I was looking forward to get to the next one. I pick up these books when I need something light and fun to read, and I had high
The book starts with Arthur and Ford Prefect being stuck in prehistoric earth for a number of years, when they are saved by a Chesterfield sofa that transports them to the future. The two of them end up in England in the middle of a cricket game, just a day before the Earth is destroyed by the Vogons. There they meet Slartibartfast and Arthur and Ford find themselves embarking on a mission to save the Universe. During their journey, planet Krikkit is introduced and the characters delve into Krikkit's history to learn how the Krikkiters became xenophobic and their plan to destroy the entire Universe. Ages ago planet Krikkit was imprisoned in a slo-time envelope, however there is a force behind all this and it wants to set Krikkit free.
The beginning was was quite vague, but this is normal for these books and I thought it would start to make sense soon. I am disappointed though that this book never really cut it, it is silly to the point that it started to annoy me. The jumping from one thing to another lost me, sometimes it went on and on about something that doesn't have anything to do with the story until it picked up where it left off. There is not much action going on in this book, and it did seem to drag for a while. I am also not happy that my favorite character, Zaphod Beeblebrox, has been pushed to the side and is turned into a sad, much less interesting character. Having said that, the story still has its funny moments, but nowhere as amusing as the previous books. Oh, and good job Marvin is still there to save the day.
I am not sure what Adams was thinking when he wrote this book, the first two books were so much fun but this one just doesn't have the edge. It feels like he ran out of ideas when he wrote this one. Nonetheless I will continue to read this series, and hope that the next book will be better!
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expectations for the book to be entertaining.The book starts with Arthur and Ford Prefect being stuck in prehistoric earth for a number of years, when they are saved by a Chesterfield sofa that transports them to the future. The two of them end up in England in the middle of a cricket game, just a day before the Earth is destroyed by the Vogons. There they meet Slartibartfast and Arthur and Ford find themselves embarking on a mission to save the Universe. During their journey, planet Krikkit is introduced and the characters delve into Krikkit's history to learn how the Krikkiters became xenophobic and their plan to destroy the entire Universe. Ages ago planet Krikkit was imprisoned in a slo-time envelope, however there is a force behind all this and it wants to set Krikkit free.
The beginning was was quite vague, but this is normal for these books and I thought it would start to make sense soon. I am disappointed though that this book never really cut it, it is silly to the point that it started to annoy me. The jumping from one thing to another lost me, sometimes it went on and on about something that doesn't have anything to do with the story until it picked up where it left off. There is not much action going on in this book, and it did seem to drag for a while. I am also not happy that my favorite character, Zaphod Beeblebrox, has been pushed to the side and is turned into a sad, much less interesting character. Having said that, the story still has its funny moments, but nowhere as amusing as the previous books. Oh, and good job Marvin is still there to save the day.
I am not sure what Adams was thinking when he wrote this book, the first two books were so much fun but this one just doesn't have the edge. It feels like he ran out of ideas when he wrote this one. Nonetheless I will continue to read this series, and hope that the next book will be better!
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LibraryThing member iayork
Not Free SF Reader: Throw yourself at the ground and miss. If you can't, don't whine about it.
Unfortunately the third Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy book is nowhere near as entertaining as the first two installments. The tone of it changes considerably to somewhat this side of maudlin, apart
Unfortunately the third Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy book is nowhere near as entertaining as the first two installments. The tone of it changes considerably to somewhat this side of maudlin, apart
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from the odd entertaining piece like the flying, and insulting the galaxy in order, or a bit of Clockwork Orange inspired cricket. Show Less
LibraryThing member redderik
Part 3 of the best 5 part trilogy ever!!!
LibraryThing member jorgearanda
The third book of the Hitchhiker series leaves behind the satirical vignettes format of the previous two books in favor of a bland makeshift plot about saving the galaxy. Featuring cricket and some annoying, unsatisfying prose.
LibraryThing member rincewind1986
Another installment of the adventures of Arthur, ford and co. As usual full of laughs, thrills, spills and everything else from the bizarre immagination of the genius douglas adams. One highlight was the return of Marvin the paranoid android, and so much more.
LibraryThing member Darla
Morning read-aloud with the boys. Possibly my least favorite of the series--all that stuff about Krikkit might have resonated more if I knew more about the game of cricket. Still a 5-star read anyway.
LibraryThing member StormRaven
The third book in the Hitchhiker Trilogy finds Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect stuck on prehistoric Earth. Through a series of improbable coincidences, they escape, find Slartibartfast, and agree to stop a galactic war. After that the plot becomes relatively stock as Ford, Arthur and Slartibartfast
As is true of all the Hitchhiker books, the plot is merely a framework upon which to hang the humor, parody, and satire. This book is the first int he series to begin to show the cracks as old jokes start to become tired and worn, the satire begins to become a little shrill, and the parody begins to become a little wearying. However, starting from as high a point as The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and The Restaurant at the End of the Universe allows Adams to show a little drop off in quality while still producing an excellent book.
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team up with Trillian, Marvin, and Zaphod to avert the war.As is true of all the Hitchhiker books, the plot is merely a framework upon which to hang the humor, parody, and satire. This book is the first int he series to begin to show the cracks as old jokes start to become tired and worn, the satire begins to become a little shrill, and the parody begins to become a little wearying. However, starting from as high a point as The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and The Restaurant at the End of the Universe allows Adams to show a little drop off in quality while still producing an excellent book.
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LibraryThing member TadAD
Like Restaurant..., I didn't find this as funny as the first book, though still a very funny book.
I haven't read beyond this point in the series. Too bad, I didn't get to experience the book that has the best subtitle ever: The fifth volume in the increasingly misnamed trilogy
I haven't read beyond this point in the series. Too bad, I didn't get to experience the book that has the best subtitle ever: The fifth volume in the increasingly misnamed trilogy
LibraryThing member manatree
Old favorite from high school. Had to pick up this used hard cover copy to supplement tattered paperback.
LibraryThing member Czrbr
Book Description: Hard Cover. Hardback, Harmony Books, NY. , 1982 First Edition. VG /clean
LibraryThing member Nanoscale2
The title says it all. The third book in the series of Douglas Adams. I have to say the idea for the series and the characters are some of the most original work I have ever read. I just wonder how drunk he was when this whole thing started ;-)
Dascienceguy.wordpress.com
Dascienceguy.wordpress.com
LibraryThing member pauliharman
Interesting but not as good as earlier hitch-hikers books
LibraryThing member emhromp2
Another very funny book in the hitchhikers series. Difficult to understand at times, and impossible to imagine at all times. This book should be read sentence by sentence, to make sure you don't skip any jokes.
LibraryThing member jayne_charles
There were some good jokes in here, but definitely a step down in quality from 'Restaurant at the end of the Universe.' Mostly, this story seems to centre around a satirical take on the game of cricket. As everyone knows, cricket is almost impossible to understand as it is, without being further
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blurred and manipulated as an instrument of fun. Largely impenetrable as far as I was concerned. Show Less
LibraryThing member FolkeB
In Douglas Adams' Life, the Universe, and Everything, Arthur Dent and his new friends are once again followed through their journey in the Universe. Arthur Dent was not aware of the rest of the universe until he met Ford Prefect a short while back. The first two series of The Hitchhiker’s Guide
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to the Galaxy are just the beginning of Arthur and his new companions’ travels through the universe. This time in the third series, the occupants of planet Krikkit want to be alone in the universe and destroy everything else in it, so they don’t have to deal with the idea of the enormous universe surrounding them. Arthur and his companions have to try to stop the robots from the planet Krikkit from destroying the entire universe. Adams does a wonderful job creating a fascinating universe and keeps things interesting with his ridiculous, yet intriguing ideas. The book is very creative and keeps the reader paying attention with its outrageous workings of the universe. This book brings a new side to science fiction which makes it more interesting and enjoyable. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes interesting, adventurous and wildly creative stories. It does involve some wacky space ideas, so it would be good to be open to the ideas of the universe. I would give this book a four and half stars out of five. Show Less
LibraryThing member beckykolacki
Though I had really enjoyed the first two books in the Hitchhiker's "trilogy," for some reason or another the appeal seemed to dissipate with this one a little bit. Throughout the series I found that Adams really had a tendency to have events happen without really explaining exactly what was going
On the bright side, the same sort of humor is still there. The negative is that you (or at least, I) spent so much time trying to figure out what is happening that I kind of glossed over many of the jokes.
On the plus side, the idea for the plot of this one is quite good, and once I finally got a hang of what was going on I really enjoyed it, but it took a bit more time to get into it. We find out that there is an intriguing alien race trying to destroy the world by recovering a number of items, and of course it's up to Arthur Dent and friends to stop them. These aliens, the people of Krikkit, are quite interesting as well. It is their fear that causes them to lash out so harshly against whatever is different from them. We, as humans, sometimes experience something very similar, and as scary as it is, some relations can be drawn here.
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on, but you usually found out directly after. However, there were lots of things that happened in the beginning of this one that really made little sense, and they weren't explained until many chapters later, which is frustrating as a reader.On the bright side, the same sort of humor is still there. The negative is that you (or at least, I) spent so much time trying to figure out what is happening that I kind of glossed over many of the jokes.
On the plus side, the idea for the plot of this one is quite good, and once I finally got a hang of what was going on I really enjoyed it, but it took a bit more time to get into it. We find out that there is an intriguing alien race trying to destroy the world by recovering a number of items, and of course it's up to Arthur Dent and friends to stop them. These aliens, the people of Krikkit, are quite interesting as well. It is their fear that causes them to lash out so harshly against whatever is different from them. We, as humans, sometimes experience something very similar, and as scary as it is, some relations can be drawn here.
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LibraryThing member Narilka
"Just believe everything I tell you, and it will all be very, very simple."
Life, the Universe and Everything begins where The Restaurant at the End of the Universe left off with Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect trapped on prehistoric Earth. Just when Arthur decides he will go mad Ford shows up to
The plot on this one meanders and completely strays off course quite often. Those tangents are still clever and some are laugh out loud funny to read.
Life, the Universe and Everything begins where The Restaurant at the End of the Universe left off with Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect trapped on prehistoric Earth. Just when Arthur decides he will go mad Ford shows up to
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inform him about strange goings on in the Space-Time Continuum. And it's not just another game of Krikkit, err cricket.The plot on this one meanders and completely strays off course quite often. Those tangents are still clever and some are laugh out loud funny to read.
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LibraryThing member PickledOnion42
'A comic science-fiction story with a weak plot based loosely on the game of cricket, featuring a talking mattress' – that is surely one book proposal guaranteed to have most publishers reaching for the 'not-a-chance-in-hell' stamp. But (as I've come to expect from Douglas Adams) it somehow
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works. In fact it more than just works; it's really rather brilliant! There are some delightful moments in this third installment of the series, including an explanation of 'bistromathics' (a form of mathematics based on the realisation that numbers are not absolute, but depend on the observer's movement in restaurants), and a wonderful description of flight: "There is an art, . . . or rather, a knack to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss. . . . Most people fail to miss the ground, and if they are really trying properly, the likelihood is that they will fail to miss it fairly hard." This is, needless to say, another superb installment of the fantastically ridiculous 'Hitchhiker' series. Show Less
LibraryThing member SebastianHagelstein
In this third book in the series Arthur Dent and the other main characters must stop the Masters of Krikkit from destroying the entire universe with the supernova bomb.
I like when Arthur accidently teleports to Agrajag's lair and discovers that he has been killing Agrajag over and over again in
I also like that the Norse God Thor has a part in the story. I'll be reading the fourth in the series next.
I like when Arthur accidently teleports to Agrajag's lair and discovers that he has been killing Agrajag over and over again in
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different forms (fly, rabbit, newt, oyster, etc.). I also like that the Norse God Thor has a part in the story. I'll be reading the fourth in the series next.
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Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1982
Physical description
208 p.; 4.37 inches
ISBN
0330267388 / 9780330267380