René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix in Britain — First UK Edition, 1970

René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix in Britain — First UK Edition, 1970

GOSCINNY, René; UDERZO, Albert.
Asterix in Britain.
Leicester: Brockhampton Press, 1970. First UK edition. Quarto. Illustrated throughout in colour. Original pictorial laminated boards.

Description

A particularly bright first UK edition of Asterix in Britain, published by Brockhampton Press in 1970 and one of the most celebrated adventures in René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo’s internationally successful Asterix series.

Originally published in French as Astérix chez les Bretons, the story takes Asterix and Obelix across the Channel after Julius Caesar’s armies invade Britain. They travel to assist Asterix’s British cousin and his fellow resistance fighters, taking with them a barrel of Getafix’s magic potion and becoming involved in a succession of encounters with Roman soldiers, British customs and the hazards of transporting their precious cargo.

The book is particularly notable for Goscinny’s affectionate satire of British life, with jokes involving British manners, food, drinking habits, weather, language and sporting traditions. As throughout the series, the ancient setting provides a framework for parodying recognisably modern national characteristics without losing the pace and accessibility of an adventure story.

The English translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge is especially significant in this title. Their inventive adaptation of Goscinny’s linguistic jokes and stereotypes helped make Asterix in Britain particularly successful with British readers and demonstrates the importance of translation to the English-language identity of the series.

Albert Uderzo’s dynamic artwork is reproduced throughout in full colour. The memorable pictorial front board depicts Asterix and Obelix amid a chaotic rugby-style encounter, while the rear board carries the familiar early Brockhampton image of Asterix following Obelix beneath his menhir. The menhir lists the three previously published British titles: Asterix the Gaul, Asterix and Cleopatra and Asterix the Gladiator, an attractive feature of this early issue.

The original printed price of 12/- (60p) and ISBN 340 10388 4 appear at the foot of the rear board.

A very desirable first British edition, both for collectors of the Asterix series and for its particular importance within the history of Asterix in English.

Condition

Near fine. The original pictorial laminated boards are bright and clean, with only very minor marks and slight creasing. The binding is tight and firm. Internally, the pages are very nice and clean throughout, with the colour illustrations remaining fresh and vibrant. An unusually bright, clean and attractive copy.

Bibliographical Details

Authors: René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Illustrator: Albert Uderzo
Title: Asterix in Britain
Publisher: Brockhampton Press
Place of Publication: Leicester
Date: 1970
Edition: First UK edition
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout in colour
Binding: Original pictorial laminated boards
Printed Price: 12/- (60p)
ISBN: 340 10388 4
Condition: Near fine

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