For fans of Douglas Adams: was the answer really 42

[Who's Wee Dug]

New Autobiography or was the answer really 42
From the Guardian.
Douglas Adams' note to self reveals author found writing torture | Douglas Adams | The Guardian
From the Publishers with a video.
42 by Douglas Adams, edited by Kevin Jon Davies: Unbound

 

[RathDarkblade]

Hmm. *shrug* The Guarniad's article doesn't reveal much that's new. Yes, Dougie was perennially -- almost infamously -- late with his scripts, because he was a perfectionist. Many writers are. (I know I am -- and I have weekly submissions to make for critique, which I always struggle with!! That's why I'm here procrastinating instead of writing!!)

Seriously, I was always given to understand that "six times nine = 42" was because the universe doesn't make sense and isn't supposed to. Ford even says as much to Arthur.

 

[SpideyGirl]

"I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by."

 

[Clem Peppermint]

Well, in the paragraphs following the announcement of the ultimate Answer, Deep Thought says that 'The problem, to be quite honest with you, is that you've never actually known what the question is'. This implies that the Question wasn't asked properly, which would have given a completely different (and possibly worded) Answer! So, would the Answer be declared void? It really depends how you look at it However, as RathDarkblade says, it could be purely nonsensical and I'm all here for it! It's an iconic part of the book that I wouldn't change, but it does pose an interesting discussion

 

[Who's Wee Dug]

Turns out it could be 6