René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix in Switzerland — First UK Edition, 1973

René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix in Switzerland — First UK Edition, 1973

GOSCINNY, René; UDERZO, Albert.
Asterix in Switzerland.
Leicester: Brockhampton Press, 1973. First UK edition. Quarto. Illustrated throughout in colour. Original pictorial laminated boards.

Description

A bright first UK edition of Asterix in Switzerland, published by Brockhampton Press in 1973 and one of the more distinctive travel adventures in René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo’s celebrated Asterix series.

Originally published in French as Astérix chez les Helvètes, the story sends Asterix and Obelix into Switzerland in search of a rare ingredient required by Getafix to prepare an antidote for a poisoned Roman official. Their journey allows Goscinny to parody Swiss banking, fondue, punctuality, cleanliness, mountain scenery and political neutrality, while maintaining the fast-paced adventure and verbal humour that characterise the series.

The English translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge is an important part of the British publication history of Asterix. Their versions are especially admired for adapting Goscinny’s wordplay, puns and cultural jokes into natural and inventive English rather than relying on literal translation.

Albert Uderzo’s artwork is reproduced throughout in full colour. The pictorial front board shows Asterix and Obelix examining a large wheel of Swiss cheese in a bank vault, while the rear board carries the familiar Brockhampton image of Asterix following Obelix beneath his menhir, listing earlier titles in the British series.

The copyright page states “First published in Great Britain 1973” and records the English-language copyright as 1973 Brockhampton Press Ltd. ISBN 0 340 17062 X appears to the rear board.

A desirable first British edition and an attractive example of early Asterix publication in the United Kingdom.

Condition

Very good. The original pictorial laminated boards are generally bright and clean, with only very minor marks and light creasing. There is a small mark to the left-hand side of the title page. 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, bright and clean copy.

Bibliographical Details

Authors: René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Illustrator: Albert Uderzo
Title: Asterix in Switzerland
Original French Title: Astérix chez les Helvètes
Translators: Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge
Publisher: Brockhampton Press
Place of Publication: Leicester
Date: 1973
Edition: First UK edition
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout in colour
Binding: Original pictorial laminated boards
ISBN: 0 340 17062 X
Condition: Very good

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