René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix and the Goths — First UK Edition, 1974

René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix and the Goths — First UK Edition, 1974

GOSCINNY, René; UDERZO, Albert.
Asterix and the Goths.
Leicester: Brockhampton Press, 1974. First UK edition. Quarto. Illustrated throughout in colour. Original pictorial laminated boards.

Description

A bright and attractive first UK edition of Asterix and the Goths, published by Brockhampton Press in 1974 and an early British appearance of one of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo’s most inventive Asterix adventures.

Originally published in French as Astérix et les Goths, the story follows Asterix and Obelix beyond the borders of Gaul after the village druid Getafix is kidnapped while attending the annual conference of druids in the Forest of the Carnutes. Their pursuit takes them into the territory of the Goths and develops into a characteristic mixture of adventure, political satire, linguistic comedy and elaborate visual humour.

The book is particularly notable for Goscinny’s treatment of national stereotypes, militarism, political ambition and authoritarian rule, all filtered through the deliberately anachronistic world of ancient Europe. The Goths’ competing factions and ambitions provide much of the story’s satire, while the familiar relationship between Asterix and Obelix keeps the narrative firmly within the comic framework of the series.

The English translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge forms an important part of the British publication history of Asterix. Their adaptations were particularly skilled at reconstructing Goscinny’s puns, names and linguistic jokes for an English-speaking readership rather than simply translating them literally.

Albert Uderzo’s artwork is reproduced throughout in full colour, combining carefully drawn landscapes and historical settings with the exaggerated expressions and energetic action for which the series became famous. The original front-board design shows Asterix and Obelix crossing the frontier from the Roman Empire into Gothic territory, watched by armed Goths, while the rear board carries the familiar Brockhampton image of Asterix following Obelix and his menhir.

The menhir lists the previously issued British Asterix titles, providing useful contemporary evidence of the sequence of Brockhampton Press editions. ISBN 0 340 18491 4 appears to the lower rear board.

A desirable first British edition, particularly attractive in this bright and well-preserved condition.

Condition

Very good plus. The original pictorial laminated boards are bright and clean, with minor marks and light creasing. There are minor tape marks to the front blank endpaper. The binding remains tight and firm. Internally, the pages are otherwise very nice and clean throughout, with the colour illustrations fresh and bright.

A very good plus, bright and clean example of the first UK edition.

Bibliographical Details

Authors: René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Illustrator: Albert Uderzo
Title: Asterix and the Goths
Original French Title: Astérix et les Goths
Publisher: Brockhampton Press
Place of Publication: Leicester
Date: 1974
Edition: First UK edition
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout in colour
Binding: Original pictorial laminated boards
ISBN: 0 340 18491 4
Condition: Very good plus

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