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Great Science-Fiction
& Fantasy Works
a critical list with discussions
Science-Fiction and Fantasy Books by
Douglas Adams
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Standard Disclaimer:
This is a brief discussion of Douglas Adams and, of course, of some speculative-fiction books by Douglas Adams This discussion and list does not necessarily include every book by Adams: it includes only those books that I both know and like. Just as with the author list itself, omission of a particular item may mean I didn't think highly enough of the omitted item, or it may simply mean that I have not yet sufficient familiarity with it. (In a very few cases, I have listed some books merely on the strength of my opinion of the author: all such books are clearly marked below, as throughout these lists, with a hash mark (#) before the title so you know what's what.) I don't pretend that this discussion is a deep analysis. My intent is no more than to give you a rough idea of what kinds of tales Adams tells, how those tales are usually told, and what makes them and Adams worthy; in sum, to help you rank Adams (and the works by Adams listed here) on your personal literary "to do" list. |
A Few Words About Douglas Adams
Regrettably, I have not yet had an opportunity to write an essay on this author, but the "Other Resources" section below will lead you to some information about the "Notable Books" listed farther down this page.
Other Douglas Adams Resources
Douglas Adams Resources on the Web
The chief resource is the Douglas Adams web site. There is another dedicated site, the Douglas Adams Continuum, which also has an Adams Forum. Yet another Adams site, Life, Douglas Adams, and H2G2 ("H2G2" is common shorthand for "HitchHiker's Guide to the galaxy"), also has its own Adams forum. And there is a Usenet discussion group, alt.fan.douglas-adams (accessible through Google).
The BBC's tribute page has links to a number of Adams' miscellaneous writings; the Beeb also has an older Adams page that is no longer maintained but retains some value, and yet another tribute page.
There are many other Adams-related pages; here are some. The Douglas Adams Page, a bit dated, has many Adams links; the Guardian ran a Lament for Douglas Adams by Richard Dawkins, who also delivered the formal Eulogy for Douglas Adams. There is an extensive Douglas Adams FAQ, apparently still being maintained. And again the Guardian, with a Douglas Adams Info Page that has some light critical comment.
There are also the inevitable interviews; here are a few: "Life, the Universe, and Everything" at The American Atheist; and one by Daily Nexus (of U.C. Santa Barbara).
There is also a web site about the annual (every May 25th) Towel Day, which light-heartedly honors Adams and H2G2.
For the rest, such as it is, Google Is Your Friend.
Douglas Adams Resources in Print
Don't Panic: Douglas Adams and the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Neil Gaiman was quite favorably reviewed at Bookslut. There is also The Anthology at the End of the Universe: Leading Science Fiction Authors on Douglas Adams' the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Glenn Yeffeth, editor, a "completely unauthorized" collection of essays and tributes, many from Big Names in science fiction authordom.
Notable Science-Fiction and Fantasy Books by Douglas Adams ***
- The Hitchhiker "Trilogy":
- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
- The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
- Life, the Universe and Everything
- So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish
- Mostly Harmless
- The Dirk Gently Duo:
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