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

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

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

Description

A notably bright first UK edition of Asterix and the Laurel Wreath, published by Brockhampton Press in 1974 and one of the most inventive adventures in René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo’s celebrated Asterix series.

The story begins with a boast by Vitalstatistix that leads Asterix and Obelix to Rome in search of Julius Caesar’s laurel wreath. Their mission takes them into Roman high society, slavery, the law courts and the workings of imperial administration, giving Goscinny ample opportunity for satire on status, wealth, bureaucracy and Roman manners.

As with the finest Asterix stories, the humour works on several levels. The comic action and visual slapstick appeal immediately, while Goscinny’s script also contains elaborate wordplay, social parody and historical jokes aimed at older readers. The English translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge became an important part of the success of the series in Britain, adapting the original French puns and cultural references with considerable ingenuity.

Albert Uderzo’s artwork is reproduced throughout in full colour. The distinctive front board shows Asterix and Obelix with the coveted laurel wreath beneath the monumental profile of a Roman figure, while the rear board carries the familiar image of Asterix following Obelix beneath his menhir, listing previously published adventures.

The rear board gives the ISBN 0 340 19107 4. Early Brockhampton Press editions such as this are increasingly collected both as first British editions of the individual Asterix adventures and as examples of post-war European comic publishing in English.

A particularly appealing example of the first British edition, surviving in unusually fresh condition.

Condition

Near fine. The original pictorial laminated boards are bright and clean, with only very minor marks and slight creasing. The spine is slightly faded. The binding remains tight and firm. Internally, the pages are very nice and clean throughout, with the colour illustrations remaining fresh and vibrant. A notably bright, clean and well-preserved copy.

Bibliographical Details

Authors: René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Illustrator: Albert Uderzo
Title: Asterix and the Laurel Wreath
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 19107 4
Condition: Near fine

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