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In 1978, Douglas Adams and John Lloyd were commissioned to write the novel of The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy.
They rented a cheap villa in the remote village of Agios Stefanos in Corfu to use as HHGG HQ. (1/12)
They rented a cheap villa in the remote village of Agios Stefanos in Corfu to use as HHGG HQ. (1/12)
But long before they even started looking for their suitcases, Adams sacked Lloyd. Lloyd wasn’t happy, but decided he’d go along anyway, not least because he’d already paid. (2/12)
Once there, a daily routine soon set in: Adams would sit at a typewriter on the balcony while Lloyd wandered down the hill to drink Greek coffee in a local taverna and learn advanced Corfiot swearing from the eccentric owner, Manthos. (3/12)
Adams had usually finished work by 11.30am, such was his driveless tire, and he’d join Lloyd at Taverna Manthos, where they’d spend the rest of the day drinking and playing silly games. (4/12)
One of these was the brainchild of Adams’s English teacher at school: define the place-name. So, ‘what is epping?’ and ‘what are devizes?’ (5/12)
Lloyd kept notes on this game, because he found it so funny and, four years later, included a list of such definitions in the Not 1982 book, under the title ‘The Oxnard English Dictionary’.
Matthew Evans at Faber told Lloyd it was the best idea in the book — and... (6/12)
Matthew Evans at Faber told Lloyd it was the best idea in the book — and... (6/12)
...THE MEANING OF LIFF was born. (7/12)
For those unfamiliar with Liff, here’s what you need to know: it is The Funniest Book Ever Written. Seriously. It is perfection, down to the syllable. (8/12)
Today I paid a visit to the same taverna where it was conceived. (9/12) 
I missed Manthos, the (now) former owner — and swearing maven — by about an hour. (He’s in every day.) But made up for that by having an outstanding plate of octopus and toasting one of the finest books there is.
Eviva, Liff. (10/12)
Eviva, Liff. (10/12)
Postscript: Lloyd made a return visit a few years ago and suggested to Manthos that he change the business name to The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe. Your imagination can fill in what sort of a Greek answer he got. (11/12)
Post postscript: Are You Alright In There? — a documentary @gralefrit and I made with @DavidTylerPozz about toilet books — is still available on @BBCSounds and features RED HOT Liff action. (12/12)
