Science fiction · Fantasy · Adventure
Life, the Universe and Everything
The third Hitchhiker's book. Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect, stranded on prehistoric Earth, are pulled into an effort to stop a galaxy-wide menace. It is absurd, short and full of jokes about science and bureaucracy.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1982
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 240
- Format
- Book 3 of 6 in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Read this if you like absurd science-fiction comedy and are already a fan of the series.
Skip this if you haven't read the first two books, because the jokes build on their setup.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Life, the Universe and Everything
- What is Life, the Universe and Everything about?
- The third Hitchhiker's book. Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect, stranded on prehistoric Earth, are pulled into an effort to stop a galaxy-wide menace. It is absurd, short and full of jokes about science and bureaucracy.
- Who should read Life, the Universe and Everything?
- Read it if you like absurd science-fiction comedy and are already a fan of the series. Skip it if you haven't read the first two books, because the jokes build on their setup.
- How long and how fast is Life, the Universe and Everything?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 240 pages, first published in 1982.
- Does Life, the Universe and Everything have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow Life, the Universe and Everything for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Life, the Universe and Everything; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Life, the Universe and Everything?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Colour of Magic, Good Omens, Redshirts.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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