‘Immer Zlaz’

In a recent investigation into the life of famed Sci-Fi writer Douglas Adams, investigative journalist J.L. Mock revealed a stunning portrait of the author in his unpublished memoir ‘Immer, Zlaz’. The narrative explores Adams’s unique worldview, his passion for computers, his relentless business ventures and how this shaped the man behind the celebrated Sci-Fi classic ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy’.

Told through interviews as well as extracts from Adams’s diaries, ‘Immer, Zlaz’ paints a complex picture of the writer and his life. Adams’s often comical disposition meant he was able to turn the most mundane of everyday occurrences into comedy gold and it was this which made him a literary figurehead. However, ‘Immer, Zlaz’ shows a more serious side to Adams, exploring his difficult childhood, his worries over his parents’ health and his inability to form meaningful relationships.

Adams first found fame through the publication of his first novel, ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy’ in 1979. The story, which follows the misadventures of Arthur Dent, has since gone on to become a cult classic amongst Sci-Fi enthusiasts. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of computers, Adams lends a huge amount of credibility to his work. But it was the detailed characterisations, the witty dialogue and the clever twists which gave the story its unique charm.

Just as important as his writings were Adams’s dealings outside of writing. One of the most prominent being his quest to fund a new operating system for computers, which eventually led to the formation of a company called Cascading Concepts. After several failed prototypes, he managed to find success with his development of the first radio based handheld computers. It was this business venture which gave Adams his privileged lifestyle, allowing him to travel the world and enjoy the kind of luxury most writers could only dream of.

Adams’s life was tragically cut-short in 2001 when he died suddenly at the age of 49. ‘Immer, Zlaz’ successfully captures the gentleness, wit and intellect of the man who had entertained and excited the public for many years. By revealing the complex personality of Adams, Mock’s portrait offers an incredible insight into his private life, allowing readers to understand the genius of one of the greatest Sci-Fi writers of all time.