The Original Hitchhiker Radio Scripts [Paperback]

Douglas Adams (Author), Geoffrey Perkins (Editor), Douglas Adams and Geoffrey Perkins (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 9, 1987

25th Anniversary Edition of the scripts that launched a billion quips March 1978 saw the first ever transmission of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on BBC Radio 4; the beginning of a cult phenomenon. This 25th Anniversary edition of the scriptbook includes a previously unpublished Hitchhiker script, 'Sheila's Ear'; a new introduction by producer Geoffrey Perkins; and a Who's Who of all those involved in the radio series. As well as all the new material, of course there are the twelve original radio scripts - Hitchhiker as it was written and exactly as it was broadcast for the very first time. They include amendments and additions made during recordings and original notes on the writing and producing of the series by Adams and Perkins. For those who have always loved Adams, as well as for his new generation of fans, these scripts are essential reading - with the previously 'lost' script making this edition a must-have piece of Adams memorabilia.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

The original, complete, and totally unedited scripts from the now famous BBC "Hitchhiker Radio Show." Join Douglas Adams on an epic adventure in time and space--including some helpful advice on how to see the universe for less than 30 Altairian dollars a day. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

DOUGLAS ADAMS created all the manifestations of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. He died in May 2001. GEOFFREY PERKINS produced The Hitchhikers's Guide to the Galaxy on BBC Radio 4. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Harmony Books; 1st edition (December 9, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517559501
• ISBN-13: 978-0517559505
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,172,492 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Douglas Adams (1952-2001) was the much-loved author of the Hitchhiker's Guides, all of which have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A treat for any Hitchhiker fan, October 17, 1998

By 

Rey Fox (Moscow, ID) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Original Hitchhiker Radio Scripts: 10th Anniversary Edition (Paperback)

It's a shame that this book sems to be so hard to find. I was actually introduced to the Hitchhiker stories through the radio show (the audio recordings of which are probably even harder to find), which was a marvel of storytelling and sound effects when it came out (it still is, of course). Ultimately, the script book is a much better read if you have heard the original radio series, but even if you haven't, check it out (if you can). The scripts are written in true Douglas Adams style, with directions written in there that often don't have to do with the show itself (such as Adams' long description of the Bugblatter Beast of Traal), and it may be your only chance to learn about the Haggunenonns, the super-evolutionary race of aliens originally put in place of the rock group Disaster Area during the black stuntship scene. Be warned, however, since the series was written episodically, meaning that Adams never had any grand scheme for the show, and just wrote it as he went along (explains a lot, doesn't it?). You may think that the plot of the Restaurant at the End of the Universe was convoluted, but I thought it made perfect sense in comparison to the plot of the two radio series. Either way, it's a crazy ride, and worth every minute spent trying to make sense of it. If you consider yourself a HHG fan, then take it upon yourself to listen to the original radio series, and then read the scripts (which clarify it a good deal). Just make sure that you know where your towel is first.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Radio is defined as an auditory medium by which bipedal..., June 11, 2002

By 

Jay Smith (Harrisburg, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Original Hitchhiker Radio Scripts: 10th Anniversary Edition (Paperback)

...life forms are required to use a seldom-exercised ability called "imagination" which, with effort, allows the user to paint a mental tapestry that is superior in many respects to any computer generated image or subjective image of perfection.

(takes a breath)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy goes on a bit about the relative superiority of radio as a medium that stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain, but it also notes several references to various works that endure in a medium regarded as deader than the telegraph.

The Hitchhiker's Guide is not only proof that radio is still a viable medium for drama, but that Douglas Adams is a genius. The show, scripted week-by-week by DNA and Geoffrey Perkins was easily translated to books and television with minimal edits. Yes, the second series is a bit off the ultimate track, but it is quite original and the foot notes from Douglas and Perkins are very insightful. These footnotes exist as a log of what took place when it all began and, sadly, as the only memoir to them.

If you can find it, get it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More great fodder for any Hitchhiker fan!, November 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Original Hitchhiker Radio Scripts (Paperback)

As a longtime fan of Adam's Sci-Fi Comedy series, I was delighted to discover this book. It was a lot of fun to read, and offered much insight into the process behind the Original Hitchhiker's Guide Radio Show. And there are a few scenes that never made it to the novels. Douglas Adams is funny in any form, and this was no exception.