The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy — Reading Order

by Douglas Adams

The answer is 42. Arthur Dent's planet is demolished for a hyperspace bypass and his hitchhiking adventure across the galaxy begins.

1

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Douglas Adams · 1979

Arthur Dent escapes Earth's demolition and hitchhikes across the galaxy with a towel and a very depressed robot.

2

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

Douglas Adams · 1980

The gang dines at Milliways, where you can watch the universe end while enjoying a nice meal.

3

Life, the Universe and Everything

Douglas Adams · 1982

Arthur and Ford must stop the people of Krikkit from destroying the universe with a wicket gate and a key.

4

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

Douglas Adams · 1984

Arthur returns to Earth (which somehow exists again), falls in love, and learns why the dolphins left.

5

Mostly Harmless

Douglas Adams · 1992

The fifth book in the increasingly inaccurately named trilogy. Arthur becomes a sandwich maker on a remote planet.