h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A548589

Someone popped by the other day and reminded me that I'd left this one languishing unfinished, so I did it up and here it is. I'd be willing to add a sentence or two summary of each book if y'all think it would be worthwhile -- I thought it would just be too much weight, but I'm definitely open to opinion.


Mikey

I wonder if there might be some third person reason why one should seek this particular series out if faced with a number of choices from the same era?

Hmmm.... The early books in the series do actually give a relatively factual view of the role of women nurses during and shortly after World War II.

The books have somewhat more realistic characters than do other series of the time, such as Nancy Drew. Personally, I found that I had a better understanding of my mother's generation when I realized that *this* was what they were seeing as heroines/role models growing up (no GI Jane or SheRa for them!).
I also found it really interesting to see how many ways nursing has and hasn't changed over the years.


mikey

Is there any sterile practices in the books, short of starching the cap? Or are their any medical absurdities or outright goofs?

I mean the article as it stands, when confronted with the casual reader, has little in the first paragraph to grab those not familiar with the series. And the successive paras, if one played fill in the blank, could describe almost any series.

Also, where in Illinois was that lady born?
Did the originating author look anything like the character she was depicting?

.........hello-o-o-o-o-o-o-olleh..................?

If you are still interested, I ran across a site today relating the differences in the international editions of the series and talking about the authors a bit.
Would you like me to summarize?

Yes, that would be great!

And, yes I'm still here -- I've just been sick quite a bit lately, and haven't been keeping up as well as usual.


Mikey

Okay. If it will help any, I found it on Google by accident while I was looking at images of Kathys. The was apparently a series about a student nurse named Kathy and the engine tripped over 'Kathy Gets Her Cap'.

Hi, Mikey!

I just got around to looking at this and I really like it. I don't remember ever having read any Cherry Ames books myself, but I think you've given a very good overview, and a good feel for the attitudes of the time.



Azara

I haven't forgotten you.

for Mikey!

I see from the Coming Up page that this is now with a sub-Editor, so congratulations!

Azara

Oh, really? How fascinating.

thanks!