Tintin By Plane – 27 – The Air India Flight From Tintin In Tibet – Le Vol Air India De Tintin Au Tibet – En Avion Tintin

Author: Hergé & Editions Moulinsart
Price: £85.00
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 and figurine. One from the collection of 50 books and models. Very slight wear. In very near fine, clean condition overall.

Tintin in Tibet: A Brief Account

Tintin in Tibet is one of Hergé’s most celebrated works in The Adventures of Tintin series, first published in 1960 after its serialisation in Le Journal de Tintin. Unlike most Tintin albums, it contains no villains, no political intrigue, and no treasure or crime plot. Instead, it is a deeply emotional story centred on friendship, intuition, and moral courage.

Context

Created during a period of personal turmoil for Hergé, the story reflects themes of loyalty, spiritual conviction, and inner reconciliation. It is frequently regarded as one of the finest examples of emotional storytelling in European bande dessinée, demonstrating Hergé’s mastery of narrative tension, pacing, and visual minimalism.

Plot Summary

A Vision of Disaster

While holidaying in the Alps, Tintin receives news of a plane crash in the Himalayas. That night, he has a vivid and distressing dream in which his close friend Chang — who was thought to be on the aircraft — calls to him for help from the mountains. Despite the lack of proof and against rational advice, Tintin becomes convinced that Chang is still alive. This emotional catalyst propels the adventure; Tintin’s certainty is not founded on evidence but on loyalty and spiritual conviction.

Journey to the Himalayas

Tintin and Captain Haddock travel to India, then on to Nepal. Their journey is marked by cultural encounters, humorous situations involving Thomson and Thompson, and Professor Calculus’ characteristic absent-mindedness. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, Tintin secures a Sherpa guide named Tharkey, who initially doubts Tintin’s intuition but respects his sincerity enough to assist.

Into the Mountains

The rescue party ventures into the Himalayas under harsh and dangerous conditions. Their local porters abandon them in fear after spotting mysterious footprints that appear non-human — a motif linked to legends of the Yeti. Despite treacherous weather, avalanches, and Captain Haddock’s comic struggles with climbing equipment and whisky, Tintin’s unwavering determination sustains the expedition.

Signs of Life

Tintin finds remnants of the crash and personal effects belonging to Chang, further strengthening his belief. As hardship mounts, Tharkey’s scepticism gradually transforms into admiration for Tintin’s sense of duty and loyalty.

Rescue and Revelation

After Tintin falls during the ascent, monks from a nearby Tibetan monastery rescue him. The Grand Abbot affirms Tintin’s belief in Chang’s survival, presenting a rare spiritual endorsement within the Tintin universe. Eventually, Tintin locates Chang injured in a cave. The Yeti, who has been caring for Chang, flees upon discovery. Far from a monstrous figure, the Yeti is depicted as a sympathetic, lonely creature, capable of tenderness and longing for companionship. Tintin rescues Chang, bringing the emotional journey to its climax. The group returns safely, with gratitude, humility, and renewed understanding.

Major Themes

Friendship and Faith

At its heart, the narrative is an ode to unshakeable friendship. Tintin’s devotion transcends logic, driven by empathy and moral clarity.

Spirituality and Intuition

Unlike the rational tone common to the series, this story embraces intuition, dreams and spiritual awareness, particularly through Buddhist imagery and the monks’ serenity.

Humanity of the “Other”

The Yeti, traditionally viewed as a monstrous figure, is rendered with dignity and sorrow. The story challenges readers to reconsider prejudice and fear of the unknown.

Isolation and Inner Struggle

Snow-clad mountain landscapes echo emotional solitude, reflecting Hergé’s own psychological state while creating one of the most visually striking Tintin albums.

Legacy and Cultural Reception

Tintin in Tibet is frequently cited by scholars, art historians and Tintin specialists as a peak of Hergé’s artistic maturity. It is celebrated for its:

• Emotional purity and thematic depth
• Study of loyalty without reward or glory
• Minimalist settings and narrative discipline
• Sensitive portrayal of cultural settings and spiritual traditions

It remains a poignant and accessible entry in the Tintin canon, admired equally by adult readers and younger audiences.

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.
• Expert Curation: Our selection process focuses on significance, condition, and rarity, resulting in a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We aim to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to return an item, it may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt. Please notify us in advance if you wish to do so. The item must be returned in the same condition as it was sent for a full refund.

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.