René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix the Legionary — First UK Edition, 1970

René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo — Asterix the Legionary — First UK Edition, 1970

GOSCINNY, René; UDERZO, Albert.
Asterix the Legionary.
Leicester: Brockhampton Press, 1972. First UK edition, 3rd impression. Quarto. Illustrated throughout in colour. Original pictorial laminated boards.

Description

Originally published in French as Astérix légionnaire, the story follows Asterix and Obelix as they enlist in the Roman army in an attempt to rescue Tragicomix, the fiancé of the beautiful Panacea, who has been forcibly conscripted into Caesar’s forces. Their subsequent military training and journey to North Africa allow René Goscinny to parody army life, military discipline, bureaucracy, recruitment and the cultural differences between the various peoples incorporated into the Roman Empire.

The album is one of the particularly successful examples of the partnership between René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Goscinny’s narrative combines adventure with linguistic humour, satire and recurrent jokes about military organisation, while Uderzo’s energetic artwork fills the Roman training camp and legionary scenes with an extraordinary range of characters, expressions and visual comedy.

The English translation by Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge was central to the success of Asterix in Britain. Rather than attempting literal translations of Goscinny’s many puns and linguistic jokes, Bell and Hockridge frequently recreated them for an English-speaking readership, producing versions which became highly regarded in their own right.

Binding and Early British Issue

The original laminated front board carries Uderzo’s colourful design showing Asterix and Obelix dressed as Roman legionaries, together with a pair of exhausted Roman soldiers. The rear board retains the characteristic early Brockhampton design of Asterix following Obelix beneath his menhir, which lists the previously published British titles.

The 70p UK net and the ISBN 0 340 10392 2 appear at the foot of the rear board.

Condition

Very good. The original pictorial laminated boards are bright and clean, with minor marks, rubbing and light creasing. The binding is tight and firm. Internally, the pages are generally nice and clean with occasional minor marks. The colour illustrations remain fresh and bright.

Stock number: 004225 Location: Bookroom

Bibliographical Details

Authors: René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Illustrator: Albert Uderzo
Title: Asterix the Legionary
Publisher: Brockhampton Press
Place of Publication: Leicester
Date: 1972
Edition: First UK edition, 3rd impression
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout in colour
Binding: Original pictorial laminated boards
Printed Price: 70p
ISBN: 0 340 10392 2

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