Hergé — The Black Island — First UK Paperback Edition, 1972

HERGÉ.
The Adventures of Tintin: The Black Island.
London: Methuen Children’s Books, 1972. First UK paperback edition. Quarto. Illustrated throughout in colour. Translated by Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner.

Description

The first UK paperback edition of The Black Island, published by Methuen in 1972. The copyright page records the British publication sequence clearly: first published in Great Britain in 1966, reprinted in 1968 and 1970, and published as a paperback in 1972.

One of the best-known titles in The Adventures of Tintin, The Black Island follows Tintin and Snowy through Britain and Scotland in pursuit of a criminal counterfeiting operation. The story first appeared in serial form in the late 1930s and underwent substantial revision before the modern colour edition familiar to English-language readers was produced.

The British translation is by Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner, whose work established the standard English-language presentation of Hergé’s Tintin series for several generations of readers.

This first paperback issue retains the distinctive pictorial cover showing Tintin and Snowy approaching the island by boat, with the castle rising dramatically from the rocks beyond. Early Methuen paperback issues such as this are increasingly sought after by collectors building the British publication history of the Tintin series alongside the earlier laminated-board editions.

Condition

Very good. The spine is slightly rubbed. The original pictorial wrappers show minor rubbing and creasing, with minor wear to the corners. There is a small amount of loss to the upper right-hand corner of the front cover. The binding remains tight and firm. The pages are generally nice and clean, with the usual toning associated with this edition and period. A sound and attractive example of the first UK paperback edition.

Bibliographical Details

Author / Illustrator: Hergé
Title: The Adventures of Tintin: The Black Island
Publisher: Methuen Children’s Books
Place of Publication: London
Date: 1972
Edition: First UK paperback edition
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout in colour
Translators: Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner
Binding: Original pictorial wrappers
SBN: 416 24040 2
Condition: Very good

Collecting Importance

The 1972 Methuen edition marks the first appearance of The Black Island in British paperback form, following the first UK hardback edition of 1966. This makes it a distinct bibliographical issue rather than simply a later reprint of the laminated-board edition.

For collectors of British Tintin editions, the early Methuen paperbacks form an important part of the publishing history of the series. Copies that retain firm bindings, complete colour illustrations and presentable original wrappers are particularly worthwhile, as these comparatively fragile editions were often heavily read.

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.