The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Radio)

Oh yeah, it does get more complicated.

The H2G2 radio series preceded the first novel.

After that, I lose track. But I think the later novels preceded the radio adaptations, particularly after DA died.
 

Series 3, 4 and 5 of the radio show were only produced within the last few years, way after the books and also after Douglas Adams died.

If anyone is interested there is a brilliant book by Neil Gaiman called Don't Panic, which is all about the writing and production of H2G2. All abut the rows and the missed deadlines, the theatre productions etc. Great book.

I agree that the original first two series were the best, with a great cast. Also, it's interesting that Douglas Adams (renowmned for writers' block) wrote each episode week-by-week, i.e. had a deadline of one week pre-recording on the next episode. Considering this produced probably his funniest, inspired and original writing, having a deadline can obviously focus the mind greatly (sometimes)?
 

Quote: jdubya @ September 2 2008, 3:19 PM BST

If anyone is interested there is a brilliant book by Neil Gaiman called Don't Panic, which is all about the writing and production of H2G2. All abut the rows and the missed deadlines, the theatre productions etc. Great book.

View Original

I agree jdubya, DONT PANIC is an excellent book on the subject of Douglas Adams and H2G2 and I have read it numerous times.

For the DNA fan I would also recommened The Salmon of Doubt and the biography by Nick Webb, Wish You Were Here.

Def.
 

Quote: john lucas 101 @ September 2 2008, 2:57 PM BST

Series 3, 4 and 5 of the radio show were only produced within the last few years, way after the books and also after Douglas Adams died.

View Original

Didn't Adams play Agrajag in the third series?

Quote: Deferenz @ September 2 2008, 3:47 PM BST

DONT PANIC is an excellent book on the subject of Douglas Adams and H2G2 and I have read it numerous times.

For the DNA fan I would also recommened The Salmon of Doubt

View Original

Gaiman's Don't Panic is good, but The Salmon of Doubt is really only for completists.

One of Adams best and most neglected books is Last Chance To See about endangered species. The book is aptly titled - one chapter concerns the Xangtze River Dolphin, the Baiji, which has recently been declared extinct.

If you want to know more about the radio series, you can read the BCG article at http://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/radio/hitchhikers_guide_to_the_galax/
 

Quote

One of Adams best and most neglected books is Last Chance To See about endangered species.

Agreed, this is a terrific book.
 

Quote: Timbo @ September 2 2008, 7:49 PM BST

Gaiman's Don't Panic is good, but The Salmon of Doubt is really only for completists.

View Original

I know what you mean here. I think that you may have to be a fan of the man himself to fully get the best of this book. That actual premise for the Salmon of Doubt novel was both simple and brilliant.

Quote: Timbo @ September 2 2008, 7:49 PM BST

One of Adams best and most neglected books is Last Chance To See about endangered species.

View Original

I have heard this said too. I currently have it sitting on my bookshelf awaiting it's turn to be read. It is currently fourth after; Catch 22, My Booky Wook, and the biography of Roy Chubby Brown.


Def.
 

Well you can save time by binning My Booky Wook straight off, closely followed by the Chubby Brown. Catch-22 is great though.
 

Quote: Griff @ September 3 2008, 9:50 AM BST

Well you can save time by binning the Chubby Brown.

View Original

Not a fan of biographies then!
 

I love biographies. Just not biographies of retards.
 

Quote: Griff @ September 3 2008, 9:50 AM BST

Well you can save time by binning My Booky Wook straight off, closely followed by the Chubby Brown. Catch-22 is great though.

View Original

I am having trouble getting into Catch 22. I have heard elsewhere that you need to percevere with the opening sections before the book hits its stride. Is this true? I am definately finding the opening few chapters quite a trawl. I am staying with it because I've heard what a great book it is.

Regarding Chubby Brown, in his off stage interviews he has always come across as a nice guy. Hence I thought his book was worth a read. As for Russell Brand, I like his kind of humour at the moment. whether this will stand the test of time I'm not sure. Mrs Def has read My Booky Wook and said that it actually makes him look like a tosser as opposed to a nice guy.

Def.
 

Quote: Griff @ September 3 2008, 10:01 AM BST

Just not biographies of retards.

View Original

You'll have to qualify that accusation (elsewhere, because it's off-topic here).
 

It's decades since I read Catch-22 so I can't remember whether I liked the intro or not. I just remember the book made a huge impression on me and it was "my favourite book ever" for at least a fortnight.