Hergé — The Seven Crystal Balls — First UK Edition, 1962

HERGÉ.
The Adventures of Tintin: The Seven Crystal Balls.
London: Methuen & Co. Ltd, 1962. 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 Seven Crystal Balls, published by Methuen in 1962 and one of the key early British Tintin editions.

Originally published in French as Les Sept Boules de cristal, the book forms the first half of the two-part adventure completed by Prisoners of the Sun. The story begins with the return of seven members of an archaeological expedition from Peru, each of whom is struck down by a mysterious affliction after disturbing the tomb of the Inca Rascar Capac. Tintin, Captain Haddock and Professor Calculus are drawn into an increasingly sinister mystery involving crystal balls, trance-like attacks and the disappearance of Calculus.

The book is one of the most atmospheric titles in the series, blending archaeological adventure, supernatural suggestion and detective fiction. Hergé’s carefully controlled pacing, expressive character work and precise ligne claire drawing give the story an unusually tense and mysterious tone, while the narrative leads directly into the South American journey of Prisoners of the Sun.

The English edition was translated by Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner, whose work was central to establishing Tintin with British readers. The copyright page states “First published in Great Britain in 1962”, confirming the bibliographical status of this copy. It was printed by Établissements Casterman, Tournai, Belgium, and carries catalogue number 2/6060/4.

The front board depicts Professor Calculus surrounded by the mysterious effects of one of the crystal balls, with Tintin, Captain Haddock and the shadowy figure of Rascar Capac completing one of the most dramatic cover designs of the early Methuen series. The rear board retains the characteristic illustrated Tintin series advertisement and the original published price of 8s 6d net.

At Hornseys, early Tintin editions are individually examined with particular attention to edition statements, Methuen catalogue numbers, binding design, rear-board advertisements, original prices, completeness and condition. These details are important when distinguishing first UK editions from later reprints and subsequent issues.

Condition

Very good. The spine is slightly faded and rubbed. The original pictorial boards are slightly marked, with rubbing, light creasing and 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 additional protection without alteration to the original binding.

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

Bibliographical Details

Author / Illustrator: Hergé
Title: The Adventures of Tintin: The Seven Crystal Balls
Original French Title: Les Sept Boules de cristal
Translators: Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner
Publisher: Methuen & Co. Ltd
Place of Publication: London
Date: 1962
Edition: First UK edition
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout in colour
Binding: Original pictorial boards
Printed Price: 8s 6d net
Catalogue Number: 2/6060/4
Printer: Établissements Casterman, Tournai, Belgium
Condition: Very good
Protective Covering: Easily removable clear acetate archival wrapper

Collecting Importance

The Seven Crystal Balls is one of the strongest narrative openings in the Tintin series and an important part of Hergé’s post-war period. The first British edition is especially collectable for its early Methuen binding, original price, series advertisement and first-edition statement, all of which distinguish it from later impressions.

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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• Individual Condition Assessment: Each copy is inspected in detail. We record significant faults as well as important features such as original dustwrappers, pictorial boards, inserts, maps, plates, signatures and ownership marks, so that buyers can make informed decisions.
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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.