René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix and the Soothsayer — First UK Edition, 1975

René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix and the Soothsayer — First UK Edition, 1975

GOSCINNY, René; UDERZO, Albert.
Asterix and the Soothsayer.
Leicester: Brockhampton Press, 1975. First UK edition. Quarto. Illustrated throughout in colour. Original pictorial laminated boards.

Description

A particularly bright first UK edition of Asterix and the Soothsayer, published by Brockhampton Press in 1975 and one of the later titles from the classic Goscinny and Uderzo period of the series.

Originally published in French as Le Devin, the story begins when a travelling soothsayer arrives at the Gaulish village during Getafix’s absence and quickly gains influence over the inhabitants by exploiting their fears and superstitions. Asterix remains sceptical, but the villagers become increasingly convinced by the stranger’s predictions, creating exactly the kind of division and confusion the Romans are eager to exploit.

The story gives René Goscinny an especially effective framework for satire on superstition, credulity, fear and manipulation. Rather than relying primarily on military confrontation, the plot explores the way authority can be manufactured through suggestion and the willingness of people to believe what they want or fear to hear. As throughout the series, these themes are balanced by rapid comic pacing, verbal invention and physical humour.

The English translation is by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge, whose work played an essential role in establishing Asterix in Britain. Their translations are particularly admired for recreating Goscinny’s jokes, names, idioms and cultural references in fluent and inventive English.

Albert Uderzo’s artwork is reproduced throughout in full colour. The dramatic front-board design shows Asterix confronting the looming shadow of the soothsayer while the rest of the village gathers anxiously behind him, an unusually theatrical composition that reflects the atmosphere of suspicion and prediction running through the story.

The rear board retains the familiar Brockhampton design of Asterix following Obelix beneath his menhir, which lists the previously published British titles and provides useful contemporary evidence for the sequence of the series.

The copyright page states “First published in Great Britain 1975” and records the English-language copyright as 1975 Brockhampton Press Ltd. ISBN 0 340 19625 8 appears in the book and on the rear board.

A desirable first British edition of one of Goscinny and Uderzo’s more psychologically satirical Asterix adventures, preserved 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 Soothsayer
Original French Title: Le Devin
Translators: Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge
Publisher: Brockhampton Press
Place of Publication: Leicester
Date: 1975
Edition: First UK edition
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout in colour
Binding: Original pictorial laminated boards
ISBN: 0 340 19625 8
Condition: Near fine

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