Hergé — Flight 714 — First UK Edition, 1968

HERGÉ.
The Adventures of Tintin: Flight 714.
London: Methuen & Co. Ltd, 1968. First UK edition. Quarto. Illustrated throughout in colour. Original pictorial boards. Now housed in an easily removable clear acetate archival wrapper.

Description

A very good example of the first UK edition of Flight 714, published by Methuen in 1968 and one of the later titles in the original British Tintin sequence.

Originally published in French as Vol 714 pour Sydney, the story begins with Tintin, Captain Haddock and Professor Calculus travelling to Australia for an astronautical congress. A chance meeting with the eccentric millionaire Laszlo Carreidas leads to an unexpected diversion when his private aircraft is hijacked and forced to land on a remote island in the Indonesian archipelago.

The adventure develops into one of the most unusual episodes in the Tintin series, combining aviation, espionage, criminal intrigue and mysterious archaeological elements. It is particularly notable for the reappearance of Roberto Rastapopoulos, one of Tintin’s principal recurring adversaries, and for its increasingly enigmatic final sequences.

By the late 1960s Hergé’s artwork had reached a particularly refined stage, with crisp ligne claire drawing, carefully constructed aircraft and interiors, and a more cinematic approach to movement and pacing. Flight 714 is especially strong in its depiction of contemporary aviation and technology, while its island setting allows Hergé to move from modern jet travel into a darker and more mysterious visual world.

The English-language edition was translated by Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner, whose translations were fundamental to the reception of Tintin in Britain. The copyright page states “First published in Great Britain in 1968”, confirming the status of this copy. It was printed by Établissements Casterman, Tournai, Belgium.

The striking original front board depicts Tintin, Captain Haddock, Snowy and their companions framed by monumental carved figures, while the rear board retains the characteristic Methuen illustrated Tintin series advertisement. The original UK price of 10s 6d net is also present.

At Hornseys, early and first-edition Tintin books are individually examined with particular attention to edition statements, binding design, rear-board advertisements, original prices, printing information, completeness and condition. These bibliographical details are important when distinguishing genuine first UK editions from later Methuen impressions and reprints.

Condition

Very good. The spine is slightly faded and rubbed. The original pictorial boards are slightly marked, with rubbing, light creasing and minor wear to the corners.

The binding remains tight and firm.

Internally, the pages are generally nice and clean, with minor marks and the usual toning to the text block. The colour illustrations remain clear and attractive throughout.

Now housed in an easily removable clear acetate archival wrapper, providing protection for the original boards without alteration to the binding.

A very good, sound and presentable copy of the first UK edition.

Bibliographical Details

Author / Illustrator: Hergé
Title: The Adventures of Tintin: Flight 714
Original French Title: Vol 714 pour Sydney
Translators: Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner
Publisher: Methuen & Co. Ltd
Place of Publication: London
Date: 1968
Edition: First UK edition
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout in colour
Binding: Original pictorial boards
Printed Price: 10s 6d net
Printer: Établissements Casterman, Tournai, Belgium
Condition: Very good
Protective Covering: Easily removable clear acetate archival wrapper

Collecting Importance

As the first British edition of one of Hergé’s final completed Tintin adventures, Flight 714 forms an important part of any collection of early UK Tintin books. Its distinctive late-period artwork, aviation theme, return of Rastapopoulos and increasingly mysterious narrative give it a character quite different from the earlier albums.

The first UK edition is further distinguished by its original Methuen pictorial binding, rear-board advertisement, first-edition statement and original British price.

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.