Just finished all five books in the Hitchhiker's trilogy (yes, five books in a trilogy) and I haven't laughed this hard at books since... ever? Douglas Adams' wit is unmatched.

The answer is 42. Don't panic. Bring a towel. What other comedy sci-fi comes close?

Terry Pratchett's Discworld series gives Adams a run for his money. Different style — more satirical, less absurdist — but equally brilliant. Start with Guards! Guards!

Nothing comes close to Adams for pure comedic sci-fi. The Babel fish passage alone is the funniest paragraph ever written.

So long and thanks for all the fish. RIP Douglas Adams. We lost him too young this year.