Asterix in Britain by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo

Fiction. Hardcover from Orion Books Ltd. Originally published in 1966, reprinted 2004. Purchased from Methven's, Windsor, UK.

There was much rejoicing in our household the day we came across this book in the course of bookstore browsing. We had checked it out of the library here several times. Over time we had decided that it was definitely worth adding to our collection. Unfortunately, we came to discover that it was out of print and used copies were selling for as much as £40 on eBay. We went so far as to scan the book so that we could have it to take back to the states with us. In the way of such things, within a few days of our scanning the book, it was back in the bookshops, having just been reprinted. I bought it without even looking to see how much it was going to cost me. (Fortunately it was only £10 - a bargain compared to £40.)

We've enjoyed the Asterix series for a long time. The author cracks us up with names like "Cacofonix" for a bard with dubious singing talent, and "Getafix" for a druid. There are many references to history slipped in here and there amidst humorous word play. Such fun. Then when you add in the fact that this book pokes fun at the way of life of a Brit, it has me rolling in the aisles every time I read it.

Publisher's summary:
One little ancient British village still holds out against the Roman invaders. Asterix and Obelix and invited to help. They must face fog, rain, warm beer and boiled boar with mint sauce, but they soon have Governor Encylopaedicus Britannicus's Romans declining and falling. Until a wild race for a barrel of magic potion lands them in the drink. It's not quite cricket - how about a nice cup of hot water, though? Over even the first ever tea-party?

For more from the world of Asterix and Obelix visit: www.asterix.tm.fr and choose your language. To buy from amazon, click here: Asterix in Britain