With its unique blend of science fiction, humor, and philosophical themes, the beloved Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series has delighted legions of fans for over 40 years. The intergalactic adventures begin in the 1979 book The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy when hapless human Arthur Dent is rescued by his alien friend Ford Prefect just before Earth is destroyed. The pair go on to traverse the galaxy together, crossing paths with the depressed robot Marvin, the two-headed ex-galactic president Zaphod Beeblebrox, and more bizarre beings.
Douglas Adams packs every book with outlandish scenarios, sharply witty satire, and existential insight into the human condition. While concluding on a dark note, the Hitchhiker’s series remains an absurdist science fiction masterpiece over 40 years later.
Whether you are new to the series or revisiting it, this article will assist in organizing your reading. So, if you want to explore or revisit the extraordinary universe Adams has created, feel free to read on and find out the order of the books.
See also: Books Like Bobiverse.
Hitchhiker’s Guide to Galaxy Books in Order
- Young Zaphod Plays It Safe (Novella) (1986)
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979)
- The Restaurant at the End of the Universe (1980)
- Life, the Universe and Everything (1982)
- So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish (1984)
- Mostly Harmless (1992)
- And Another Thing… (2009)
Other Books from The Series
Similar Authors
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman – A humorous and satirical take on the apocalypse, filled with witty dialogue and absurd situations.
- “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller – A darkly comedic novel that shares Adams’ satirical style, exploring the absurdity of war and bureaucracy.
See also: When the Wind Blows Series in Order.
Most Recommended Books
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, #2) (4.23 Goodreads score)
- The Restaurant at the End of the Universe (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, #3) (4.21 Goodreads score)
- Life, the Universe and Everything (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, #4) (4.18 Goodreads score)
- So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, #5) (4.08 Goodreads score)
- Mostly Harmless (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, #6) (3.97 Goodreads score)
Awards
Douglas Adams was nominated for the Hugo Award in 1979, won the Pat Terry Award in 1980, and received the Inkpot Award in 1983.
Upcoming Releases
Book Summaries
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
In "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" Arthur Dent's ordinary day takes a turn for the worse when his house is destroyed and he learns that his best friend is an alien. Armed with only a towel, a small fish, and a helpful book called The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Arthur must navigate a hostile universe alongside unreliable aliens.
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
In "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe" Arthur Dent and his unusual group of friends are on a mission to find a place to eat while trying to escape the warlike Vogons. Along the way, they encounter Ford Prefect, Zaphod Beeblebrox, Tricia McMillan, and Marvin the android. Their destination is a popular spot for both entertainment and dining, where the food is extraordinary. Will they succeed in their quest?
Life, the Universe and Everything
In "Life, the Universe and Everything" the unhappy inhabitants of planet Krikkit are tired of looking at the night sky and decide to destroy the entire universe. Only five individuals stand in their way: Arthur Dent, a mild-mannered traveler; Ford Prefect, his best friend who wants to go insane; Slartibartfast, the determined vice president of the Campaign for Real Time; Zaphod Beeblebrox, the ex-president with two heads and three arms; and Trillian, a space cadet torn between a Thunder God and a depressed Beeblebrox. This crew must work together to prevent universal destruction and save life as we know it.
So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish" is a book about Arthur Dent, who finds himself back on Earth after a strange journey through time and space. He begins to question if it was all just his imagination, but strange events, like the disappearance of Earth's dolphins and the discovery of a fishbowl with a mysterious inscription, make him suspect that something otherworldly is happening. With the help of a battered copy of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Arthur sets out on a journey to find answers, which leads him to hitch a ride on a UFO with a giant robot.
Mostly Harmless
In "Mostly Harmless" Arthur Dent finds himself disheartened after his planet is destroyed and the woman he loves disappears. However, he decides to start enjoying life, which leads to chaos. Arthur encounters a new edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and discovers he has a teenage daughter he never knew about. As he tries to save the Earth, the Guide, and his daughter, Arthur is constantly confused and never fully understands what is happening. Will you be able to figure it out?
And Another Thing...
Arthur Dent’s tumultuous journey through space, time, and unimaginable scenarios leads him back to Earth, where normalcy remains elusive. His desire for simplicity, symbolized by a longing for a decent cup of tea, clashes with reality as Earth faces obliteration yet again.
The Salmon of Doubt
"The Salmon of Doubt" is a collection of essays, articles, anecdotes, and stories that provides a unique and personal glimpse into the life and mind of the renowned science fiction writer. This book offers a delightful and entertaining read, showcasing Adams' wit and absurdity. From his adventures climbing Kilimanjaro in a rhino costume to his struggles in Hollywood to bring "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" to the big screen, this book is a treasure for fans of Adams' work.
