Robert Sheckley is one of the great funny writers Douglas Adams
Robert Sheckley (1928-2005) was an American science-fiction writer whose utterly original work is noted for its merging of quick wit, philosophical musing and dark satire. His many story collections and novels include Untouched By Human Hands (1954) and Dimension of Miracles (1968). In 2001, he was made Author Emeritus by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.