The Science of "The HitchHiker's Guide to the Galaxy"

The Science of "The HitchHiker's Guide to the Galaxy" By Michael Hanlon 2008

Ever wondered what the end of the Universe might actually look like? Why the number 42 is so significant? Or whether time travel really would put a stop to history as we know it? If so you are clearly a fan of Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". Much of the book was sheer whimsy: talking mattresses, the Vogons, triple-breasted whores and that Ol' Janx Spirit. But like all good science fiction, it contained more than a grain of scientific fact. Adams was a science and technology enthusiast and his books were inspired by - prefigured even - many of the great scientific debates of our times. Now "The Science of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" brings you a light-hearted, accessible and informative tour of the real cutting-edge research behind the corner-stones of a much-loved classic, including space tourism, parallel universes, instant translation devices, sentient computers and more.'Hanlon's book probes the possibilities inside the fiction with wit and scientist humour...not that you have to be a boffin to enjoy these ruminations, merely curious, as the late Adams himself clearly was.' - "The Herald". 'Adopting Adams' witty, punchy style, Hanlon's guide is a fun and vivid read. The science twinkles a little more than usual in such a zany setting...he tackles a wide range of cutting-edge topics with depth and authority.' - "Nature". 'Enlightening and thought provoking - like having a pint with Einstein, Stephen Hawking and Johnny Ball.' - "Daily Mail".