Tintin By Plane – 24 – The Syldair Aeroplane From Destination Moon – L’Avion De La Syldair D’Objectif Lune – En Avion Tintin

Author: Hergé & Editions Moulinsart
Price: £65.00
Publisher: Editions Moulinsart
Publication date: 2014
Format: Original pictorial boards with plane on plinth
Condition: In near fine condition
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout

Description:

Original pictorial boards. Text in French. Includes the accompanying model which fits perfectly into its stand and figurine. One from the collection of 50 books and models. Very slight wear. In very near fine, clean condition overall.

Destination Moon: A Brief Summary

Destination Moon, first published in 1953 in French, is the sixteenth volume in Hergé’s The Adventures of Tintin. It marks the beginning of a two-part narrative completed in Explorers on the Moon. The story is a landmark in the series, notable for its meticulous research, scientific detail, and ambitious scope. It places Tintin, Captain Haddock, and Professor Calculus at the forefront of space exploration, years before the real-world Moon landings.

Arrival in Syldavia

The story begins with Tintin, Haddock, and Snowy travelling to the fictional Balkan kingdom of Syldavia at the invitation of Professor Cuthbert Calculus. The professor has been working in secrecy on an ambitious project: the construction of a nuclear-powered rocket capable of reaching the Moon. Tintin and Haddock are astonished by the scale and ambition of the enterprise, which is being carried out at a heavily guarded research facility.

The Rocket Project

Calculus reveals his plans for space travel and introduces the experimental rocket design. His enthusiasm and eccentricity, tempered by his brilliance, drive the project forward. Hergé provides detailed illustrations of laboratories, workshops, and rocket models, reflecting his thorough research and the influence of contemporary science.

Despite its scientific grounding, the project is plagued by challenges. Sabotage and espionage threaten its success, as rival powers attempt to steal Calculus’s secrets. Tintin and Haddock uncover plots by enemy agents, culminating in dramatic confrontations that highlight the ever-present danger of Cold War tensions.

Espionage and Suspense

The narrative balances scientific detail with suspenseful action. Tintin demonstrates his keen intellect and bravery in foiling sabotage attempts, while Haddock’s fiery temperament and comic mishaps provide humour. The detectives Thomson and Thompson also arrive, though their incompetence creates more problems than solutions.

As the rocket nears completion, tension builds. A key antagonist, Colonel Jorgen (previously seen in King Ottokar’s Sceptre), infiltrates the project, determined to disrupt the mission. His presence underscores the international stakes of the venture.

Preparation for the Mission

With espionage defeated and the rocket complete, the focus shifts to preparation for the journey itself. Hergé portrays the rigorous training of Tintin, Haddock, and the crew as they familiarise themselves with the technical demands of space travel. The climax of the book comes with the countdown and launch sequence, depicted in striking detail.

As the rocket lifts off, Tintin, Haddock, Calculus, Thomson, and Thompson are propelled into space, setting the stage for the continuation of the adventure in Explorers on the Moon.

Themes and Significance

Destination Moon reflects post-war optimism in science and technology, capturing humanity’s fascination with space exploration. It is one of Hergé’s most ambitious works, blending adventure with technical precision. The story highlights themes of ingenuity, perseverance, and the dangers of espionage, while also offering humour through Haddock’s exasperation and the detectives’ blunders.

Conclusion

Destination Moon stands as a milestone in The Adventures of Tintin, combining meticulous scientific detail with gripping narrative. By envisioning a realistic journey to the Moon years before it became reality, Hergé demonstrated his foresight and commitment to authenticity. The volume is both an exciting prelude to Explorers on the Moon and a testament to the enduring appeal of Tintin’s adventures in pushing the boundaries of discovery

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of objects and rare books are carefully curated to ensure each edition is a valuable piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Each item is meticulously researched and verified for authenticity and collation.
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Cataloguer: Daniel Hornsey

Daniel Hornsey has specialised in fine and rare books, ephemera, and collectors’ editions for over thirty years. As a long-standing member of the antiquarian book trade, he has advised private collectors, curated catalogues, and sourced works for leading dealers, libraries and institutions across the world.

Hornseys’ exhibit regularly at book and map fairs in London and throughout the UK and are members of the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association, the PBFA.

His fascination with Hergé’s work — especially ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ — began in childhood. Daniel recalls reading Tintin in original European editions and quickly recognising that these were not merely children’s books, but finely illustrated narratives crafted with artistic depth and wit.

As noted by the Musée Hergé in Louvain-la-Neuve, Hergé’s ‘ligne claire’ style has influenced generations of European comic artists and his original drawings and paintings command very high prices with his painting of ‘The Blue Lotus’ jar fetching £2.8m at auction in 2021.

By presenting these works through Hornseys’, he hopes to contribute to the continued appreciation of one of the 20th century’s most influential illustrators, helping new generations discover the artistry and legacy of Hergé.