The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a comedic science fiction series that has captured the imaginations of readers (and listeners) for decades. From its humble beginnings as a radio show, it has evolved into a multimedia phenomenon, spawning books, television series, a feature film, and even stage adaptations. But for those just embarking on this intergalactic journey, a common question arises: how many books are actually in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series?
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Let’s delve into the number of books in the core series, explore the wider literary universe, and guide you through the reading order of Douglas Adams’s hilarious creation.
The Core Five: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Books in Order
The original Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series consists of five books, often humorously referred to as a “trilogy in five parts” by Douglas Adams himself. This playful self-awareness is a hallmark of the series’ quirky and unconventional nature.
Here’s the official reading order of the main Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy books:
-
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979): The one that started it all. Meet Arthur Dent, an unassuming Englishman, who is rescued from Earth’s destruction by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
-
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe (1980): The adventure continues as Arthur and Ford find themselves at Milliways, the Restaurant at the End of the Universe, witnessing the Big Bang over and over again.
-
Life, the Universe and Everything (1982): Arthur gets caught up in a cricket match that will decide the fate of the universe, encountering the deadly robots of Krikkit.
-
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish (1984): Earth reappears, and Arthur finds love with Fenchurch. This book offers a slightly more romantic and optimistic tone than its predecessors.
-
Mostly Harmless (1992): The final book in the original “trilogy,” Mostly Harmless sees Arthur searching for a new home and dealing with the reappearance of his daughter, Random. This book is generally considered the darkest of the series.
Beyond the Original Five: And Another Thing…
While Douglas Adams considered Mostly Harmless to be the final book in the series, author Eoin Colfer (of Artemis Fowl fame) was commissioned to write a sixth installment based on notes and ideas left by Adams.
- And Another Thing… (2009): This book attempts to provide a more definitive conclusion to the series, resolving some of the darker elements of Mostly Harmless. Whether it’s considered canon is up to each reader.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: Radio Scripts
Before the novels, there was the radio show. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy began its life on BBC Radio 4 in 1978, and the original radio scripts are available in book form. These scripts offer a unique perspective on the story and contain some differences from the novels. If you’re a completist, this is definitely one to add to your collection.
Other Related Works
In addition to the main series and the radio scripts, there are other books related to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy universe. These include:
- Young Zaphod Plays It Safe: A short story featuring a younger version of the galactic president.
- The Salmon of Doubt: A posthumous collection of essays and unfinished works by Douglas Adams, including some material related to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
So, How Many Books?
To definitively answer the question of how many books in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, it depends on how you define the series.
- Core Series: 5 books (the original “trilogy in five parts”)
- With And Another Thing…: 6 books
- Including Radio Scripts: 7+ books (depending on editions and collections)
Ultimately, the best way to experience The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is to start with the first book and see where the journey takes you. Don’t panic, and remember to always carry a towel!
