An absolute classic. If you haven't read this - why?? I am happy to lend my copy out, so PM me if you're not sure what all the fuss is about, and find out for yourself. Especially with the film coming out!

(This book has only the first four of the increasingly inaptly named trilogy - I can't find my copy of the fifth...)

Oh the film... I saw it last week and immediately wanted to dig out the book again. Inevitably it's so much richer and, I think, funnier than the film. How could they miss out the towel explanation? The lines about digital watches and it being a long way to the shops? Arthur's trials and tribulations trying to see the bypass plans? A lot of the bits that showed Douglas Adams' genius have been cruelly lopped, not to mention the way they whole story has been butchered about. Marvin isn't nearly depressed enough either.

The film is good, in itself, but distance it from the book in your mind. The book seems even better now, and I shall be lending it to friends who've only seen the film!