Hitchhiker: A Biography Of Douglas Adams - Softcover

Simpson, MJ

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0340824891 ISBN 13: 9780340824894

Publisher: Coronet Books, 2004

Synopsis

Bestselling novelist, avid ecologist, inventor of words and leading technologist, Douglas Adams was one of the most influential thinkers of the late 20th century. His was an extraordinary life: he started his career as a struggling comedy sketch writer but then became an overnight success after his "Hitchhiker" series were first aired by the BBC in 1978. Arthur Dent's adventures through space with his friend Ford Prefect became a popular culture phenomenon, spawning bestselling novels by Adams, hit television and stage shows, a cult following and fan clubs all over the world. Brilliantly researched and packed with anecdotes from friends and colleagues, it is the definitive biography of this extraordinary man.

About this title

Review:

The untimely death of Douglas Adams was a sharp reminder of what a protean talent (and remarkable character) the man was. As MJ Simpson's Hitchhiker: A Biography of Douglas Adams reminds us, when The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy appeared as a radio series, few could guess that its gifted author would, in the space of several books (and adaptations in various other media), single-handedly inaugurate a whole new genre: the sardonically funny, outrageous science fiction parody that combined the sharp-edged sensibility of Monty Python and a marvellously jaded view of British life (taking in some hilarious philosophical asides along the way). Many writers continue to be influenced by Adams, and a new film of Hitchhiker's Guide has been much discussed. So the time is right for this exhaustive and sympathetic biography.

Although several such books are in the pipeline, genre specialist MJ Simpson (a cofounder of the glossy SF magazine SFX) is the perfect chronicler of a strange and eventful life. Adams' quirky personality comes brilliantly to life (thanks to Simpson's impressive research, which he began before Adams' death). We are taken back to his auspicious beginnings as a comic talent in the Cambridge Footlights and through his phenomenal later success (not ignoring the man's pathological inability to meet a deadline). Simpson's writing style is never academic, and sounds the same wry and witty note as his subject effortlessly found. By interviewing a host of friends and associates (and consulting exclusive archives), Simpson paints a picture of this complex and fascinating man that is unlikely to be beaten for quite some time. --Barry Forshaw

Review:

'Douglas's latest and most comprehensive biographer ... Simpson's style is easy and informative' -- Daily Telegraph

'Impeccably researched' -- Observer

'M.J. Simpson has written an engaging and unbiased study of his subject' -- Evening Standard

'The first major biography of the man who must be Britain's most popular cult author since Tolkien ... Minutely detailed' -- Time Magazine

'There are gems for Hitchhiker fans ... For anyone who loves [Douglas's] work, this book is an indispensable read' -- The Scotsman

About this edition

• Publisher: Coronet Books
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0340824891
• ISBN 13: 9780340824894
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 416