I first read all five books when I was a young teenager (at least 10 years ago), and have fond, but hazy memories of them. After seeing the film, I decided to reread them. Although I still loved retreading the journey of Arthur, Ford Prefect, Marvin, Trillian and Zaphod, I became annoyed with Adams' style. He flits about for no apparent reason, throwing up repetitive stories about alien civilisitations (usually based round a familiar Earth household object). He also leaves stories in the air, with no explanation. What happended to Arthur with that girl he met on ancient Earth? What was the whole point of 'So Long...Thanks for All the Fish'? And so many other points, that you are left feeling frustrated.

Despite all this, Douglas Adams' ideas, and views of what the universe may be like, draws you in. The simple idea of the book itself has proved it has enormous mileage. True they could have been written a bit better, but I think most people forgive that. The first sequel (fourth) adds absolutely nothing to the story (rather like a Matrix sequel), but 'Most Harmless' is quite an entertaining diversion. You still come out a bit confused, but it's an ending, at least.