Asterix And The Goths – First UK Edition

Goscinny & Uderzo

£45.00

Availability: In stock

SKU AATG1974GU Categories ,

Product Description

Asterix And The Goths – First UK Edition

 

Author: Goscinny & Uderzo
Price: £45
Publisher: Brockhampton Press
Publication Date: 1974
Format: Original pictorial boards
Condition: Near fine to fine
Edition: First UK edition

Location: OSR: 002666

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 The Goths: A Short Review

 

Asterix and the Goths, the third volume in the classic Asterix series by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, takes readers on another action-packed adventure full of wit, humour, and clever cultural commentary. Published in 1963, this story expands the world of Asterix by venturing into the land of the Goths (modern-day Germany), while staying true to the series’ blend of satire and slapstick comedy.


Plot Summary

The story begins in the Gaulish village, where the druid Getafix is preparing to attend the annual druid conference in the Forest of Carnutes. Asterix and Obelix accompany him as bodyguards to ensure his safe arrival. At the conference, Getafix wins the top prize for his magical potion, which grants superhuman strength, attracting the attention of a group of scheming Gothic spies.

The Goths, led by Chief Metric, kidnap Getafix with plans to use the potion to conquer neighbouring lands. Realising their beloved druid is missing, Asterix and Obelix set off to rescue him, crossing the border into Gothic territory. Along the way, they confront Roman patrols, engage in numerous brawls, and outwit the Goths in their own land.

Once in Gothic territory, Asterix devises a clever plan to infiltrate the Gothic army and rescue Getafix. Using their wits, strength, and a healthy dose of the magic potion, the duo incites chaos among the Goths, ultimately sparking a civil war between rival Gothic factions. Getafix is freed, and the trio returns triumphantly to their village.


Key Elements

  • Humour and Satire: The story is rich with cultural humour, poking fun at Gothic stereotypes, military discipline, and authoritarian regimes. The depiction of the Goths as militaristic and rigid contrasts hilariously with the free-spirited Gauls.
  • Asterix’s Cleverness: As in all Asterix adventures, the hero relies on his intelligence and quick thinking to outsmart their adversaries, whether it’s tricking the Romans or sowing discord among the Goths.
  • Obelix’s Strength and Innocence: Obelix’s physical power is on full display, with countless scenes of him gleefully tossing Romans and Goths alike. His childlike humour adds levity to the story.
  • Dynamic Artwork: Uderzo’s illustrations shine, capturing the dense Gothic forests, imposing castles, and action-packed battle scenes with meticulous detail. His caricatures of the Goths are particularly amusing, with their exaggerated features and styles.

Themes

  • Freedom vs. Oppression: The carefree Gauls, who value individuality and community, are juxtaposed with the rigid, militaristic Goths, highlighting a contrast between freedom and authoritarian control.
  • Cultural Differences: The story uses exaggerated stereotypes to highlight the humour in cross-cultural misunderstandings, a recurring motif in the series.
  • Friendship and Loyalty: Asterix and Obelix’s unwavering dedication to Getafix demonstrates the strength of their bond and the importance of protecting their community.

Notable Moments

  1. The Druid Conference: A colourful gathering of druids showcasing bizarre rituals and inventive costumes.
  2. Obelix’s Reaction to the Border Patrol: His confusion about needing “papers” to cross into Gothic territory is a humorous nod to bureaucracy.
  3. The Chaos in Gothic Land: Asterix’s clever ploy to dress up as Goths and trick their captors results in a civil war that dismantles the Gothic invasion plans.

Legacy

“Asterix and the Goths” stands out as an early example of the series’ ability to combine hilarious storytelling with subtle commentary on historical and cultural themes. It also marks one of the first times Asterix and Obelix venture far from their village, setting a precedent for the many globe-trotting adventures to come.

The story’s humour, energetic pacing, and imaginative artwork continue to delight readers, making it a timeless classic in the Asterix series. For fans of clever escapades and larger-than-life characters, this volume remains an essential read.

Why buy from us?

At Hornseys, we are dedicated to offering items that uphold the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our book collection is carefully curated to ensure that each edition is a valuable and authentic piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

    • Authenticity and Provenance: Every book is researched, collated and verified for authenticity.
    • Expert Curation: Each book is selected using our keen eye for significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
    • Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
    • Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If, however, you wish to make a return, books may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for whatever reason. We request that we are notified in advance if you wish to do so. They must be returned to us in the same condition as they were sent for a full refund.
    • Explore Our Collection: Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and signed books. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and collectors since 1976.