René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix and the Roman Agent — First UK Edition, 1972

René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix and the Roman Agent — First UK Edition, 1972

GOSCINNY, René; UDERZO, Albert.
Asterix and the Roman Agent.
Leicester: Brockhampton Press, 1972. First UK edition. Quarto. Illustrated throughout in colour. Original pictorial laminated boards.

Description

A particularly bright first UK edition of Asterix and the Roman Agent, published by Brockhampton Press in 1972 and one of the most sharply observed titles in René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo’s celebrated Asterix series.

Originally published in French as La Zizanie, the story centres on Julius Caesar’s attempt to defeat the indomitable Gaulish village through division rather than force. The Roman agent Tullius Detritus is sent to sow distrust and jealousy among the villagers, creating quarrels where previously there had been solidarity. The result is one of Goscinny’s cleverest satires on manipulation, rumour, social tension and the destructive effects of discord.

The plot is particularly notable within the series because the principal threat is psychological rather than military. Goscinny’s script explores how easily suspicion can unsettle even a close-knit community, while retaining the verbal invention, slapstick humour and rapid pacing associated with the best Asterix adventures.

The English translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge is especially important in this title, where much of the humour depends upon language, insinuation and character interaction. Their adaptation helped preserve Goscinny’s wit for a British readership and forms an integral part of the publication history of Asterix in English.

Albert Uderzo’s artwork is reproduced throughout in full colour. The striking front board shows Asterix and Obelix confronting one another while the Roman agent stands between them, with the background filled by increasingly argumentative villagers. The rear board carries the familiar Brockhampton image of Asterix following Obelix beneath his menhir, listing previously published British titles.

The copyright page states “First published in Great Britain 1972” and records the English-language copyright as 1972 Brockhampton Press Ltd. ISBN 0 340 16540 6 appears to the rear board.

A desirable first British edition of one of the more sophisticated and satirical early Asterix stories, surviving in notably fresh condition.

Condition

Near fine. 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 near fine, bright and attractive copy.

Bibliographical Details

Authors: René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Illustrator: Albert Uderzo
Title: Asterix and the Roman Agent
Original French Title: La Zizanie
Translators: Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge
Publisher: Brockhampton Press
Place of Publication: Leicester
Date: 1972
Edition: First UK edition
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout in colour
Binding: Original pictorial laminated boards
ISBN: 0 340 16540 6
Condition: Near fine

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