René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix and the Big Fight — First UK Edition, 1971

René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix and the Big Fight — First UK Edition, 1971

GOSCINNY, René; UDERZO, Albert.
Asterix and the Big Fight.
Leicester: Brockhampton Press, 1971. First UK edition. Quarto. Illustrated throughout in colour. Original pictorial laminated boards.

Description

A bright and well-preserved first UK edition of Asterix and the Big Fight, published by Brockhampton Press in 1971 and an attractive example from the early period of Asterix publication in Britain.

Originally published in French as Le Combat des chefs, the story centres on a Roman attempt to exploit an ancient Gallic custom by arranging a contest between rival chiefs. If the Roman-friendly chief Aplusbegalix can defeat Vitalstatistix, Caesar’s forces hope to gain control of the indomitable village without having to overcome it by conventional military force.

The plan becomes considerably more complicated after Getafix loses his memory, leaving the villagers temporarily without access to the magic potion on which much of their extraordinary strength depends. The resulting narrative combines physical comedy with Goscinny’s characteristic satire of leadership, political opportunism, medical treatment and Roman bureaucracy.

The English translation is by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge, whose inventive adaptations played a central role in establishing Asterix with British readers. Their work preserves the comic rhythm, puns and character-based humour of René Goscinny’s original while adapting many of the linguistic jokes specifically for an English-speaking audience.

Albert Uderzo’s artwork is reproduced throughout in full colour. The lively front-board composition brings together several of the central episodes of the story, including Asterix and Obelix, the confused Getafix and the climactic contest between the rival Gaulish chiefs. The rear board retains the characteristic early Brockhampton design of Asterix following Obelix beneath his menhir, which lists the previously published British titles: Asterix the Gaul, Asterix and Cleopatra, Asterix the Gladiator, Asterix in Britain and Asterix the Legionary.

The copyright page records “First published in Great Britain 1971” and the English-language copyright as 1971 Brockhampton Press Ltd. The original printed price is 70p, with ISBN 0 340 04238 9.

A desirable first British edition from the formative years of the English-language Asterix series, especially appealing in this bright condition.

Condition

Very good plus. The original pictorial laminated boards are generally bright and clean, with only very minor marks and light creasing. The binding is tight and firm. Internally, the pages are very nice and clean throughout, with the colour illustrations remaining fresh and vibrant.

A very good plus, bright, clean and attractive copy.

Bibliographical Details

Authors: René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Illustrator: Albert Uderzo
Title: Asterix and the Big Fight
Original French Title: Le Combat des chefs
Translators: Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge
Publisher: Brockhampton Press
Place of Publication: Leicester
Date: 1971
Edition: First UK edition
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout in colour
Binding: Original pictorial laminated boards
Printed Price: 70p
ISBN: 0 340 04238 9
Condition: Very good plus

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