Upon publication, "Don't Panic" quickly established itself as the definitive companion to "Adams" and "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". This edition comes up-to-date, covering the movie, "And Another Thing" by Eoin Colfer and the build up to the 30th anniversary of the first novel. Acclaimed author Neil Gaiman celebrates the life and work of Douglas Adams who, in a field in Innsbruck in 1971, had an idea that became "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". The radio series that started it all, the five - soon to be six - book 'trilogy', the TV series, almost-film and actual film, and everything in between.
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'If you're a fan and even if you bought the original, the updated Don't Panic: Douglas Adams and the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a must buy' --- SFF Media
'From the Introduction to the Acknowledgements it was difficult to put down. 5/5' --- Sci-Fi Mafia
'If you're a Douglas Adams fan or a fan of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Don't Panic is a must have for your collection' --- Blog Critics
'From the Introduction to the Acknowledgements it was difficult to put down. 5/5' --- Sci-Fi Mafia
'If you're a Douglas Adams fan or a fan of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Don't Panic is a must have for your collection' --- Blog Critics
From the Author
As co-author of the latest edition of this book, it behoves me to explain precisely who did what, as there seems to be some confusion among both readers and reviewers.
Don't Panic was first published in 1988 (subtitled: The Official Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Companion). That book (which in terms of this edition is chapters 1-22 and all five appendices) was by Neil Gaiman.
In 1993, the book was updated (and the subtitle altered). Four new chapters (23-26) were added, written by David K Dickson (who should not be confused with the actor David Dixon from the Hitchhiker's Guide TV series).
This third edition, published in 2002 one year after Douglas Adams' untimely passing, was updated yet again, this time by myself (MJ Simpson). I wrote chapters 27-30 and also had the depressing job of altering much of the previous text to the past tense.
For contractual reasons, only Neil's name can be shown on the cover, but David and I are credited with 'Additional material by' on the title page. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. Dk Hamm
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
I originally bought this book when it was first published in 1987. It has now been revised and brought up to date to reflect Douglas Adams' more recent work and, of course, his death in May 2001.
The book, despite its title, is really a biography of Douglas Adams and not just The HitchHiker's Guide to the Galaxy (H2G2), although as this is his major work, it obviously features quite heavily. Also covered though are other works including the Dirk Gently books and The Meaning of Liff (not to mention his early work for Monty Python!)
There is some good information on Adams' early life and works obtained through interviews with people like Simon Brett, John Lloyd (who were influential in giving Adams his break in radio) and of course, Douglas himself.
Interesting items include a copy of the original H2G2 synopsis and comparisons between the different versions i.e. books, radio, TV, stage and records. Also of interest is the first story Douglas Adams ever had published, a short story on the letters page of Eagle Magazine in 1965.
The book is well written by Neil Gaiman, better known for his novels and comic book stories.
Altogether an essential read for all fans of H2G2 and Douglas Adams.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Oliveman
Format:Hardcover
Gaiman's biography is characteristic of his style of writing and here he writes with his usual wit and dry humour. His admiration of Adams and his work shines through his well paced account. The book concentrates more on the genesis of the Hitch-hiker's and goes into Adams life only when it is needed to offer background or insight into Hitch-hiker. The later chapters are written by David k. Dickson and M.J. Simpson and this shows. Although they offer good insight their contributions do not display the same wit. A must read for all Hitch-hiker fans.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Mr Clag
Format:Hardcover
It's a good book, a very lightweight read so you can zoom through it if you're not in a mood for something taxing. My only criticism is the chapter dealing with Mostly Harmless, where the book suddenly seems to run out of research and impetus. The chapters dealing with the other books etc are relatively in-depth, featuring biographical detail relevant to DNA's life at the time, interview quotes from editors, friends and the man himself, and so on. For the chapter on Mostly Harmless all of this very conspicuously dries up and the author has to pad-out his account of this period with a fairly pointless plot summary. Shame!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
INDISPENSABLE!
Apparently, one word ... INDISPENSABLE ... is not good enough for an Amazon review, so I will just say this :
If you are a fan of the late, great Douglas Adams and HHGTG... Read more
If you are a fan of the late, great Douglas Adams and HHGTG... Read more
Published 3 months ago by C G Woodhouse
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not the best
I can't say I enjoyed this book very much it was just ok and bit disjointed in parts just ok
Published 3 months ago by A P Stockwell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Last chance to see Douglas Adams
Douglas Adams and Neil Gaiman. What can you say about these two? A perfect pair of writers. It's almost poetic that Gaiman should have shouldered the mantle of writing a book that... Read more
Published on 24 Jan 2010 by Firebird
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