Asterix And Caesar’s Gift – First UK Edition

Asterix And Caesar’s Gift – First UK Edition – First UK Edition

Author: Goscinny & Uderzo
Price: £55
Publisher: Brockhampton Press
Publication Date: 1977
Format: Original pictorial boards
Condition: Near fine
Edition: First UK edition

Location: OSR: 002674

Illustrated throughout. Very slight shelf-wear, creasing and marking. Binding nice and tight. Pages nice and clean. A lovely copy in near fine condition. Scarce in this condition.

Asterix And Caesar’s Gift: A Short Review

Asterix and Caesar’s Gift, the twenty-first volume in the iconic Asterix series by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, is a lively and humorous tale that delves into themes of ambition, politics, and community unity. Published in 1974, this adventure is packed with clever humour, action, and memorable new characters, making it a standout in the series.

Plot Summary

The story begins in Rome, where a retiring Roman legionary named Tremensdelirius receives a peculiar gift from Julius Caesar: a deed to the small Gaulish village that has continually resisted Roman conquest. Caesar, clearly underestimating the resilience of the village, sees it as a token gesture. Tremensdelirius, thrilled by the prospect of owning land, sets off with the deed.

Tremensdelirius’s celebrations quickly spiral out of control as he squanders his newfound fortune on a drunken spree. Eventually, he sells the deed to Orthopaedix, a Lutetian innkeeper looking to start a new life. Orthopaedix and his family—including his outspoken wife, Angina, and his charming daughter, Influenza—relocate to the village, expecting to take charge as its rightful owners.

Upon arriving, Orthopaedix challenges Vitalstatistix’s position as chief, causing tension among the villagers. While some are tempted by Orthopaedix’s promises of change, others remain loyal to Vitalstatistix. The rivalry culminates in a traditional big fight to determine the leadership of the village.

Meanwhile, Tremensdelirius, who is now penniless and pursued by Roman soldiers wanting to reclaim the deed, arrives in the village, adding another layer of chaos. Ultimately, Asterix and Obelix expose the plot, and the villagers unite to fend off the Romans. Vitalstatistix retains his position, Orthopaedix reconciles with the villagers, and life in the Gaulish village returns to its usual, harmonious chaos.

Key Elements

• Humour and Satire: The story is rife with clever satire, poking fun at bureaucracy, greed, and the often chaotic nature of politics. Tremensdelirius’s drunken antics, Orthopaedix’s struggles to gain support, and the villagers’ hilarious bickering make for an engaging narrative.
• New Characters: Orthopaedix and his family bring a fresh dynamic to the series. Angina’s assertiveness and Influenza’s flirtatious charm, especially her interactions with Obelix, provide plenty of comedic moments.
• Asterix’s Cleverness: As always, Asterix’s wit and resourcefulness are key to resolving the conflict. His leadership and ability to outthink opponents shine throughout the story.
• Obelix’s Innocence: Obelix’s humorous crush on Influenza and his usual enthusiasm for fighting Romans add layers of comic relief and heart to the plot.
• Artwork: Uderzo’s detailed illustrations capture the bustling Gaulish village, the chaos of the big fight, and the expressive personalities of the characters. The visual gags, particularly in scenes of drunken revelry and quarrels, are masterfully done.

Themes

• Ambition and Power: The story explores the allure of power and its consequences, as seen in Orthopaedix’s challenge to Vitalstatistix.
• Community and Unity: Despite the internal division, the villagers ultimately come together to protect their home, emphasising the strength of their unity.
• Greed and Misjudgment: Tremensdelirius’s reckless behaviour and Caesar’s underestimation of the Gauls highlight the perils of greed and poor decision-making.

Notable Moments

1. Tremensdelirius’s Drunken Mishaps: His over-the-top celebrations and eventual downfall set the comedic tone of the story.
2. Orthopaedix’s Arrival: The family’s confident claim to leadership creates immediate tension and hilarity among the villagers.
3. Influenza and Obelix: Obelix’s awkward yet endearing infatuation with Influenza adds a lighthearted subplot.
4. The Big Fight: The climactic battle between Vitalstatistix and Orthopaedix is both action-packed and comical, filled with unexpected twists.
5. The Romans’ Chaos: The bumbling Roman soldiers’ attempts to reclaim the deed lead to slapstick humour and a satisfying conclusion.

Legacy

Asterix and Caesar’s Gift is a brilliant addition to the Asterix series, blending sharp humour, action, and character-driven storytelling. The introduction of new characters and the exploration of political intrigue add depth to the narrative, while the classic humour and vibrant artwork ensure it remains as engaging as ever.

This volume showcases the enduring appeal of Asterix, offering fans a delightful mix of clever storytelling, cultural satire, and timeless themes of friendship, loyalty, and community resilience. It remains a must-read for anyone who loves the unique charm of the Gaulish village and its indomitable heroes.

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