The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a humorous space novel written by Douglas Adams. It follows the misadventures of Arthur Dent, an ordinary human who is swept off Earth just before its destruction to make way for a hyperspace bypass. With the help of his alien friend Ford Prefect, Arthur embarks on a hilarious journey across the universe, encountering eccentric characters and mind-boggling situations. This witty and satirical novel is a beloved classic in the science fiction genre.