Literature

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Douglas Adams · 1979

Lindy Score

11,705·Ancient

47 yrs

Age

6

Endorsers

Buy on Amazon

Why it endured

The comic masterpiece of the 20th century. Arthur Dent is rescued from Earth's destruction by his alien friend Ford Prefect, and together they hitchhike across the universe. Adams' satire of human civilization — and the answer to life, the universe, and everything is 42 — has delighted generations of readers.

What they're saying

6 people recommend this book

Elon MuskCEO of Tesla & SpaceX

Adams was the funniest philosopher who ever lived. The Hitchhiker's Guide taught me that the universe is absurd and that's okay.

Interview

Neil GaimanAuthor & storyteller

Douglas Adams showed us that science fiction could be philosophy disguised as comedy. 42 is still the answer.

Twitter

Adams was a genius. The Hitchhiker's Guide is one of the most original things ever written.

Twitter

Tom HanksActor & author

The funniest book I've ever read — and somehow also the most philosophical.

Interview

Also recommended by

More Literature classics