Douglas Adams's Starship Titanic

Being a long time fan of Monty Python, I was surprised when I found a copy of this book. I had never heard of this project. Particularly with the recent rise in Douglas Adams's stock, I suspect this book will be getting more attention. As a companion to a game project piloted by Douglas Adams, Terry Jones wrote "Starship Titanic". With parallels to the actual Titanic and the movie "2001", the book sees a luxury space ship run by an advanced intelligence system fall victim to SMEF, or Spontaneous Massive Existence Failure. When the ship disappears from one planet, it crashes on to Earth. While leaving Earth, it takes several Earthlings on-board for a voyage only to leave behind a key member of the crew with a key part of the intelligence system. Without a functioning intelligence system, the ship's bomb can not be deactivated. Fortunately, the bomb has a short attention span. With a collection of irreverent twists that are the tradmark of Python humor, readers will enjoy this book. With the problems of aliens copulating with humans and a language barrier eliminated merely for the convenience of a science fiction writer, there are many good laughs in this book. While it is slow at times, I think most readers will enjoy it. I am actually surprised by the number of negative reviews given to the book.

Not that it's a perfect book by any means- I could have done with less romanticism. But the humor is absurd and freewheeling, and it's a good short read- just enough to wind down after a long day at work. A collaboration worthy of it's participants.

Douglas Adams and Terry Jones are among the most humourous authors out there. From the beginning to the end this book is both funny and it does keep you on the edge of your seat. Turning the page in this book is like turning a corner, you find something new each time. Although some parts in the book are rated R, and even X, it is still a good book to read. The language in some parts is a bit more than one could hope for, but if you look over that it is a very funny, and exciting book. Leoventus has made a huge technologicular advance, and has created the Starship Titanic. But, when he changed work crews to Blerontonians, the work became very shotty, and the day before launch the ship is not at ALL finished and his Titania is a mess! From there everything gets too crazy and it would be hard to explain. There is a talking Bomb, which is very nice, and some crazed rabbits (Terry Jones for ya), and small men, that strangely enough remind you of lawn gnomes. This book is smartely written, and very creatievely written, so when you plunge into this book, be prepared for the unimaginable and unexplainable.Mark_Sigel

Starthip Titanic is one of those rare treats, or "sleepers" as the saying goes. Though rather derivative of the original Hitchiker's Guide To The Galaxy, its characters are much more crisp and realistic, with more understanbable goals. I am glad that the dialogue was so ribald -- reminds me of a modern Chaucer in its delivery. Very funny and refreshing.My only complaint consists of three things: (1) It's too short by at least a half! and (2) Why hasn't there been a movie made of this! and (3) There weren't any parrot jokes in the novel.I believe the parrot should have more say in this novel, plus twice as many chapters devoted to parrot jokes of all sorts! Maybe if Mr. Polly were to wear a silly paper hat all might be forgiven! Think hard on this!*SQWAWK*

Great, every bit as good as Hitchhiker's trilog