Hergé — The Black Island — First UK Edition, 1966

HERGÉ.
The Adventures of Tintin: The Black Island.
London: Methuen & Co. Ltd, 1966. 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 The Black Island, published by Methuen in 1966 and one of the most recognisable British Tintin editions of the 1960s.

Originally published in French as L’Île Noire, the story follows Tintin from a mysterious aircraft incident into a fast-moving investigation involving counterfeiters, criminal intrigue and a remote island off the Scottish coast. The adventure is particularly memorable for its combination of detective story, travel narrative and gothic atmosphere, culminating at the ruined castle on the Black Island.

This 1966 Methuen edition is bibliographically important because it represents the first British publication of the extensively revised version of the story. Hergé had redrawn and modernised the book in the 1960s, with new settings, vehicles, costumes and architectural details, bringing the visual world of the adventure into line with the later Tintin albums. The result is one of the clearest examples of Hergé revisiting and refining an earlier work.

The English translation is by Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner, whose versions were central to establishing Tintin with British readers. The copyright page records “First Published in Great Britain in 1966”, confirming the status of this copy. It was printed by Établissements Casterman, Tournai, Belgium.

The front board shows Tintin and Snowy approaching the Black Island by boat, with the castle rising dramatically in the distance. The rear board retains the characteristic Methuen illustrated series advertisement, together with the original price of 9s 6d net in U.K. only. Catalogue number 02/9264/03 is present.

At Hornseys, early Tintin editions are individually examined with particular attention to edition statements, printing history, binding design, rear-board advertisements, catalogue numbers, original prices and condition, all of which are important when identifying and distinguishing early Methuen issues.

Condition

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

The book is now housed in an easily removable clear acetate archival wrapper, which protects the original boards without altering the binding.

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

Bibliographical Details

Author / Illustrator: Hergé
Title: The Adventures of Tintin: The Black Island
Original French Title: L’Île Noire
Translators: Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner
Publisher: Methuen & Co. Ltd
Place of Publication: London
Date: 1966
Edition: First UK edition
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout in colour
Binding: Original pictorial boards
Printed Price: 9s 6d net in U.K. only
Catalogue Number: 02/9264/03
Printer: Établissements Casterman, Tournai, Belgium
Condition: Very good
Protective Covering: Easily removable clear acetate archival wrapper

Collecting Importance

The Black Island is an especially interesting title bibliographically because the 1966 edition reflects Hergé’s major visual revision of the earlier version. For collectors of British Tintin editions, this first Methuen issue is therefore significant not only as a first UK edition, but also as the English-language introduction of the modernised artwork and setting that became standard in later printings.

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.

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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.