This might be beating a dead sci fi writer, but I was really saddened at the untimely demise of the inventor of the fabulous “Ford Prefect” and “Zaphod Beeblebrox” characters. I notice that at least one person here has one of DA’s many great lines as a signature.
Where does Douglas fall on the accomodationist / confrontational spectrum? His writing was clearly the product of a godless, free thinking mind. I think his humour might well have pushed at least some of his fans out of the orbit of religious delusion… especially the younger ones whose parental indoctrination might not yet have fully “taken”.
I was surprised because I had thought he died a fair while ago so I just googled him. He was born in March of 1952 and he died May 14, 2001 So it wasn’t new news.
I particularly liked the old BBC version of the Hitchhiker’s Guide that came out many years ago.
especially the younger ones whose parental indoctrination might not yet have fully “taken”.
Parental indoctrination never fully “takes.” Parents might be responsible for the label you choose to identify with, but according to twin studies they have no influence over their kids’ religiosity. Dawkins is wrong on this one.
Back to Adams. I have never read anything by him. Should I? Would “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” be the obvious first choice?
I watched a TED talk that Douglas Adams gave that was dated 2010. I went back and checked it and it said it was filmed in 2001 but posted in 2010. I really enjoyed that TALK.
especially the younger ones whose parental indoctrination might not yet have fully “taken”.
Parental indoctrination never fully “takes.” Parents might be responsible for the label you choose to identify with, but according to twin studies they have no influence over their kids’ religiosity. Dawkins is wrong on this one.
Back to Adams. I have never read anything by him. Should I? Would “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” be the obvious first choice?
I hope you’re right on the first point… at least as far as children of religious zealots goes. Unfortunately, it sometimes works the other way too, children of rational parents wind up sucked into cults.
In answer to your questions, Yes and Yes.
Douglas Adams’ writing has a unique combination of profundity and outrageous humour which makes all his work (including the Dirk Gently series and his “Last Chance to See” series) absolutely delightful.
IMHO, his writing quality is second only to the late, great Isaac Asimov and had Adams lived, he might eventually have surpassed Asimov.
I don’t know if Adams is the best scifi writer of all time, but he is my favorite.
George, if you have an iPod or iPhone you can download (at least in the USA) a sample of Hitchiker’s Guide and see how you like it before you pay. I bought the book when it was first available in paperback. This line hooked me: “In the beginning God created the Universe. This has been widely regarded as a bad move and has made many people very angry.”
I knew I’d like the book. It is one of the few I have read more than once.
I don’t know if Adams is the best scifi writer of all time, but he is my favorite.
George, if you have an iPod or iPhone you can download (at least in the USA) a sample of Hitchiker’s Guide and see how you like it before you pay. I bought the book when it was first available in paperback. This line hooked me: “In the beginning God created the Universe. This has been widely regarded as a bad move and has made many people very angry.”
I knew I’d like the book. It is one of the few I have read more than once.
I actually bought it as an audio book to listen to on the way to work. It frequently had me in tears laughing. I listened to it several times.
I don’t know if Adams is the best scifi writer of all time, but he is my favorite.
George, if you have an iPod or iPhone you can download (at least in the USA) a sample of Hitchiker’s Guide and see how you like it before you pay. I bought the book when it was first available in paperback. This line hooked me: “In the beginning God created the Universe. This has been widely regarded as a bad move and has made many people very angry.”
I knew I’d like the book. It is one of the few I have read more than once.
I actually bought it as an audio book to listen to on the way to work. It frequently had me in tears laughing. I listened to it several times.
I first ran into HHGTTG when it first came out as a radio play on CBC radio here in Canada while I was driving somewhere with my wife. I had the same reaction.
Yes, Darron, I like that part too—I have heard it before. When it comes to downloading the book, I am afraid that won’t work for me: I am a dinosaur when it comes to technology.
As I recall, George, there were some very good used book stores in your area. I’ll bet you can find a used paperback copy of Hitchhiker’s Guide in one of them.
As I recall, George, there were some very good used book stores in your area. I’ll bet you can find a used paperback copy of Hitchhiker’s Guide in one of them.
Occam
That’s a great idea Occam. If he doesn’t like it, Adams aficionados are a dime a dozen. He can foist it off on the nearest one!
Unfortunately, it sometimes works the other way too, children of rational parents wind up sucked into cults.
