All you wanted to know about the Hitchhikers Guide but were forced to find out for yourself - Rated 
Where to start.
I have been a big fan of The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy since first listening to the radio series in 1985 (ish) courtesy of a cassette tape of a recording of the original two radio series (Fit The First to Twelth) my friends older brother had given him and he subsequently lent me. Over time I would come to own, lose, and forget where I put, various copies of books in the HHGTTG series (including those original tapes which were returned slightly dustier than when first lent 5 years later).
So to the book. Due to the continued popularity of Douglas Adams, and THHGTTG there have been many versions of the five novels published over the years, along with a few compilation sets of the first four books.
The Ultimate Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy however does attempt in Adams own words "To set the record straight, or at least, firmly crooked." and may differ slightly from the many incarnations of the Guide although reading this you will more than likely think of it as a more wholly definitive if not sometimes contradictory version of the series.
This edition has the look and feel of one of a old style book, with a nice thick black hard cover, and guilt edged paper which is thin enough to fit the whole five novels in quite compactly. THHGTTG has over the years not only become a classic as a series and also in it's indifidual parts, but also has seemingly never lost it's popularity, and this definitive edition will naturally satisfy fans of both Douglas Adams, THGTTG and sci-fi/comedy fans.
One or two reviewers have mentioned being able to see the text through the page, but it isn't really as bad as it sounds and is not a problem in the least, and does not affect the ability to clearly read what is on the page.
In addition to the five novels is quite a rarity I feel (although other reviewers may need to correct me on this), "Young Zaphod Plays It Safe" a all short story about Beeblebrox's youth.
Best version of Hitchhikers possible - Rated
When this book arrived I was shocked at its size and weight.
This reminds me of a heavy built Bible.
What I mean is, the quality is fantastic, excellent medium sized print, very sturdy bindings and the gold guilt paper makes it feel like a tome.
I have never read anything from this series or similar and after reading The Dark Tower I thought this would be a lighter comical read.
Adams' ability to entrance you in well thought out conversations and settings is astounding.
Fantastic read and amazing quality book.
AWESOME - Rated
Seriously, never has british humor ever gone to such heights as this. The storyline is incredibly intriguing, with all sorts of dry humor, stupidly funny overtones, and a serious underlying message, though I've yet to see anyone (myself included) figure out what that message is. If you like british humor, buy it. If not, buy it. If you want a fancy looking book to put on the mantle, buy it. All in all, this book must be purchased by everyone, and even the illiterate should be graced by the story contained within. Buy the book, or Vogons will kill you with bad Poetry!!! I'd also recommend reading Tino Georgiou's bestselling novel--The Fates--if you missed it
'Is that a BIBLE you're reading?' - Rated
Content alone renders even five stars somehow unworthy, but leather and gilt?? Surely somebody has been maxing out their Improbability Drive.
Or am I missing the point- is there in fact a niche market for light reading printed in spritual classic format? If so my only dilemma would be which section of the bookcase to put it- next to a mother-of-pearl inlaid Stephen King or perhaps a shagreen bound Bridget Jones?
You can't be a Douglas-fan without having read this one! - Rated
Having read this "trilogy" three times over, I can safely say it's totally worth it. The sheer bizarreness and randomness of it is amazing, and just the sort of thing to expect from this genious. It gives a detailed description of the oddities that not only exist in his made up world, but also down here on Earth. I mean, we all know the Earth-version of the Vogons. Or that someone who you think is always after you when in fact it's just a series of coincidences.
So if you've read some of Douglas' other books, or perhaps seen the movie or heard the radio series, this is a worthy read. if you haven't, it's about time you begin!
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