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

Yeah, about understanding the the plot of DGHDA; I have a few questions about that. I just re-read it for the second time since I first read it in the late 80's and I still just don't exactly get what the ending means. I think that part of the problem is that if I ever read the Colderidge poem, I don't remember it well enough to see how it relates to the plot of the book. How did Dirk's distracting of Colderidge thwart the ghost's plan ? What is the act of defacement or vandalism (I don't have the book handy right now to get the exact wording)--which I assume refers to the change made in the poem as a result of Dirk's distraction--and how does this acheive the desired result ? Somebody help me out and don't be afraid to spell it all out--I won't be insulted.
I look forward to hearing from someone.

I think I can field that question, but like you I've probably read it twice and still don't understand it. The poem was written under the influence and I believe that was what convinced Michael to help him. I'm really not sure, but I thought that stopped him from getting to the time machine and changing history. I haven't read the book recently, either so it's hard to remember. I'll look into it though.

Omega 3

Thanks for your interest. Under "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency" follow the thread "I recently read Dirk Gently....."--I think you'll find some info there. Posting the question you are replying to was one of the first things I did when discovered h2g2 and I hadn't learned to look around yet. Thanks for your interest and I welcome any thoughts you have. No one has all the answers.