Hergé — Destination Moon — First UK Edition, 1959

HERGÉ.
The Adventures of Tintin: Destination Moon.
London: Methuen & Co. Ltd, 1959. First UK edition. Quarto. Illustrated throughout in colour. Original pictorial boards.

Description

A very good example of the first UK edition of Destination Moon, published by Methuen in 1959 and forming one of the most important early British Tintin editions.

Originally published in French as Objectif Lune, Destination Moon is the first part of Hergé’s celebrated two-volume lunar adventure, completed by Explorers on the Moon. Tintin, Snowy and Captain Haddock are summoned to the secret Sprodj Atomic Research Centre, where Professor Calculus is overseeing the construction of the extraordinary red-and-white rocket intended to take them to the Moon.

The book occupies a particularly important place in Hergé’s work. Rather than treating space travel purely as fantasy, Hergé developed the story with an unusual degree of technical and scientific detail. The rocket, research centre, control systems and preparations for the mission were all conceived with a level of visual and narrative precision that gives the two Moon books a distinctive character within the Tintin series. The resulting rocket design became one of the most immediately recognisable images associated with Tintin.

This British edition was translated by Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner, whose translations played a fundamental role in establishing Tintin for an English-speaking readership. The copyright page confirms the bibliographical status of this copy with the statement “First published in Great Britain in 1959”. It was printed by Établissements Casterman, Tournai, Belgium, retaining the production quality characteristic of the early Methuen Tintin editions.

The original pictorial front board shows Tintin, Snowy, Captain Haddock and Professor Calculus approaching the Moon rocket at the launch complex. The rear board carries the contemporary illustrated series advertisement and lists the other Tintin titles then available in Britain. The original price of 8s 6d net and catalogue number 6054/U remain printed at the foot.

Early Methuen Tintin editions are increasingly collected in their own right, particularly when the boards, binding and internal colour printing remain well preserved. First UK editions are bibliographically distinct from later Methuen reprints and subsequent editions and should be identified from the publication statement, binding, rear-board design and associated issue points rather than from title-page information alone.

At Hornseys, Tintin books are individually examined and catalogued with particular attention to edition, issue, publisher, binding, printed price, rear-board advertisements and condition, all of which can materially affect the collectability of early British editions.

Condition

Very good. The original pictorial boards remain generally bright and clean, with some marks, rubbing and light creasing consistent with age and use. The spine is slightly faded. The binding is tight and firm.

There is a bookplate to the front free endpaper. Internally, the pages are generally very nice and clean, with minor marks and the usual toning to the text block. The colour illustrations remain clear, strong and attractive throughout.

A sound and presentable copy of an important first UK Tintin edition.

Bibliographical Details

Author / Illustrator: Hergé
Title: The Adventures of Tintin: Destination Moon
Original French Title: Objectif Lune
Translators: Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner
Publisher: Methuen & Co. Ltd
Place of Publication: London
Date: 1959
Edition: First UK edition
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout in colour
Binding: Original pictorial boards
Printed Price: 8s 6d net
Catalogue Number: 6054/U
Printer: Établissements Casterman, Tournai, Belgium
Condition: Very good

Why This Copy Matters

The first British publication of Destination Moon belongs to the early period in which Methuen was introducing Hergé’s work to British readers. The combination of the 1959 first-edition statement, early Methuen binding, original rear-board advertisement, printed price and catalogue number makes this a clearly identifiable first UK issue.

It is also one of the most important Tintin titles thematically, introducing the famous Moon rocket and beginning the two-part lunar sequence that remains among Hergé’s most ambitious achievements.

About Hornseys

Hornseys has been dealing in rare books, illustrated books, maps, art and collectable material since 1976. Each book is individually examined, researched and catalogued before being offered for sale.

For early Tintin editions, we pay particular attention to the bibliographical details that distinguish first editions and early impressions from later printings, including publisher’s statements, binding designs, rear-board advertisements, price information and physical condition. Our aim is to provide collectors with clear, accurate and useful descriptions based on the individual copy being offered rather than generic catalogue information.

Hornseys is based in Ripon, North Yorkshire, and has nearly fifty years of experience handling collectable books and illustrated material.

Why Buy from Hornseys?

At Hornseys, we specialise in carefully selected rare, collectable and illustrated books, with particular attention to first editions, early impressions, signed copies and books of bibliographical or cultural importance. Every book is individually examined, researched and described before being offered for sale.

Our aim is to give collectors and readers clear, accurate information about the edition, issue, condition, completeness and distinguishing features of each copy.

• Authenticity and Bibliographical Accuracy: Every book is checked for edition, impression, publisher, binding, completeness and relevant points of issue. Where appropriate, signatures, inscriptions, provenance and other identifying features are also assessed and described.
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Hornseys has been established in Ripon, North Yorkshire, since 1976, giving us nearly fifty years of experience in handling rare books, illustrated books, maps, art and other collectable material.