Asterix and the Great Crossing (Asterix)

Book Description

Land ho! Asterix and Obelix had been lost at sea, but they've finally reached what they think is a Roman colony. Then the Vikings turn up on a voyage of discovery, and the two Gauls realize that they've done something greater and more important: they've discovered a strange New World.

Customer Reviews:

Another great adventure!!.......2007-05-14

Another fascinating adventure by Asterix and Obelix! Worth to have it in your collection!!

Asterix conquers America! (a little of it, anyway...).......2007-04-13

Rene Goscinny, Asterix and the Great Crossing (Dargaud, 1975)

Getafix is out of fish, and Unhygenix's shipment has been delayed. You wouldn't think this a problem, with our favorite Gaulish village being on the sea and all, but somehow it is, and Asterix and Obelix are off to the rescue again. Except that while they're out fishing, a storm brews up and sends them halfway around the world to a place where the boars have been replaced by "gobblers" and the Romans wear facepaint. Yes, this is the volume upon which Asterix Conquers America is (very loosely) based. Lots of Indians, some Danish vikings (so Goscinny could play with Hamlet, naturally), and the usual mix of punning and mayhem ensue. Another good one. ***

Asterix in America?.......2007-02-04

In Gaul, Getafix needs fish, it's vital for the magic potion they use to fend off the Romans. Unhygenix the fishmonger hates fresh fish, so Obelix and Asterix go exploring on Geriatrix's boat for some. Where will they go?

"The Great Crossing" (1975) is the 22nd Asterix comic, for Dogmatix it's number 18, and it sees Oumpah Pah (a character from a comic by the same guys) make a guest appearance. I really like this one. It's funny, drawn well. Everything to like about Asterix is here.

Great Asterix album.......2007-02-03

Asterix in America this album could have been called, as a storm leads Asterix and Obelix's ship out to the open ocean, and eventually to the new continent. There they met native americans, there is a clash of cultures at the beginning, but they finally are received as friends. They are finally brought back to Europe by vikings (this was centuries before the real vikings are believed to have reached North America, but one does not read Asterix to learn history). The viking's intention to hold them as slaves will not be successful, of course, as A&O have the magical potion at their side. All in all, a very good album by Asterix.

A great read.......2005-07-08

I won't write a plot summary here, as many people have already done that, but I will say that this is probably one of the best Asterix adventures out there. Parts of it are laugh-out-loud funny, and the artwork is beautiful. If you are new to the series, or are already a fan and haven't read this particular adventure, I highly recommend it. I have read it about a dozen times myself.

Average customer rating:

Another amusing early Asterix tale.
Lutetian Asterix
ASterix in Paris!
Asterix is great for all ages...

Asterix and the Golden Sickle (Asterix)
Rene Goscinny
Manufacturer: Orion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0752866133

Book Description

Getafix has broken his golden sickle, so Asterix and Obelix visit Lutetia to buy a new one for him. But the sicklesmith—a cousin of Obelix—has vanished without a trace. Where could he have gone? And can Asterix solve the mystery and bring Getafix what he needs?

Customer Reviews:

Another amusing early Asterix tale........2007-01-26

Rene Goscinny, Asterix and the Golden Sickle (Orion, 1962)

Poor Getafix was, perhaps, Rene Goscinny's most hated character early on in the Asterix series; he has to have been, because in the series' early book, it always seems to be Getafix who's somehow gotten into dutch. This book is no exception; Getafix's golden sickle has broken, and Asterix and Obelix have to go get him a new one. This turns out to be, of course, far more trouble than expected, as the golden sickle maker (one of Obelix's distant cousins, as it turns out) has disappeared, and someone's running a black market in golden sickles...

If you're familiar with Goscinny and Uderzo, you know what you're getting here; no big surprises, nothing more or less than you get from the rest of the series-- a good, fast-paced story with fine wordplay, good (if somewhat crude, and politically incorrect in today's society) humor, and lots of Legionnaires getting their behinds kicked. It's all in good fun. ***

Lutetian Asterix.......2007-01-14

"Asterix and the Golden Sickle" is the second comic in the "Asterix" series, originally published in 1962. It's one of my favorites, too, and sees Asterix and Obelix go to Lutetia (Paris during the Roman Empire) to get a golden sickle for their druid Getafix, leading straight into the comic "Asterix and the Goths" (1963). There's lots of colour, locations and laughs along the way, and I can read it again and again. I like the early comics a lot, actually. Worth a read for fans.

ASterix in Paris!.......2002-05-24

This is one of my favourite Asterix books.
Asterix and the Golden Sickle was first published in French in 1962 and in English in 1975.
Asterix and Obelix journey to Lutetia (Ancient Paris) to buy a desperately needed Golden Sickle for the Druid Getafix.
On the way there they easily deal with the mobs of bandits that attack them on the road , and also cannot find lodgings at Sundinium (Ancient Le Mans )
because they are there during the great-Ox-Cart race -The Sundinium 24 hours.
When they get to Lutetia they find that finding a sickle will not be so easy and that Obelix's cousin , the great sickle maker Metallurgix is missing .
To get to the bottom of this they must battle against the Lutetia underworld as well as the Roman authorities (and make a journey through the forest that will later become the Bois de Boulogne).
I wont spoil the ending but we all know that every Asterix adventure ends with a feat under the starry sky to welcome our heroes back to the village.

Asterix is great for all ages..........1999-11-30

I have been reading about the adventures of Asterix and Obelix for years. I first learned about them while living in Europe and I still have all my copies with me back here in America. It's really hard to rate one over the other. They are all so much fun to read. All their names crack me up. I recommend any Asterix book to anyone of any age! They are all great!

Imperial Governor: The Great Novel of Boudicca's Revolt

Average customer rating:

Reducing the Province to Order
Superior in its accuracy and depth of story
Excellent Novel
Thorough and fascinating
Great Fiction

Imperial Governor: The Great Novel of Boudicca's Revolt
George Shipway
Manufacturer: Cassell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0304363243

Book Description

Here is something to please those Gladiator fans! Filled with vivid battle sequences and excellent historical detail, this novel from an army officer turned writer presents the "memoirs" of the Roman General Suetonius Paulinus. Sent to Wales to capture the gold mines, Paulinus faces the fury of Queen Boudicca's tribes, all united against Nero's corrupt officials. It's a tale packed with fascinating detail of life in Roman Britain and in the Legions in particular.

Customer Reviews:

Reducing the Province to Order.......2007-04-30

Geo. Shipway's "Imperial Governor" is without question one of the finest historical novels I've ever read, and it's very much on my personal Top Ten List of favourite novels. I find it amazing and shameful that all of Shipway's historical works aren't in print. His "Free Lance" and "Knight in Anarchy" deserve to be recovered from obscurity. It's worth noting that Shipway himself was old British India Army. When his narrator in "Imperial Governor" talks about the difficulties of governing hill tribes or supplying outlying garrisons-- Shipway had first-hand experience at doing the same thing.

Shipway presents the campaign to reduce Roman Britain to order after Boudicca's revolt through the eyes of a highly-ambitious professional soldier of the early-Imperial senatorial class, and the writing is cold, spare, and with touches of chill irony. There are no concessions to modern, Christianized morality. His Suetonius Paulinus is a thorough professional who has a job to do and is willing to sacrifice-- but never needlessly --men and ships and cities to restore Roman order. Shipway manages to discuss the technical details of Roman warfare and army administration without losing the reader's interest-- his account of the Anglesey crossing and battle is a delight. The story is gripping and powerful, the end suitably melancholy.

This is very much a book I recommend to any friends or students who want to read about Rome and Roman warfare, and it gets a full five stars from me here. Now if only some publisher will reprint the rest of Shipway's novels...

Superior in its accuracy and depth of story.......2007-04-26

Robert Graves' highly popular "I, Claudius" was first introduced to me by my father many years ago, and was in fact the book that first got me interested in Roman history. I found Imperial Governor almost by accident a couple of years ago. Unable to put it down until complete, I then loaned it to my father, who came to the same conclusion that I did: While I, Claudius set the standard for historical novels on Rome, Imperial Governor surpasses it. In fact, if any one work inspired me to start writing historical novels, it was this one. And I am not ashamed to admit that Shipway's writing style is superior to my own. Anyone who is a fan of my own series, "Soldier of Rome," needs to read Imperial Governor.

I agree with one reviewer that pointed out that this book is full of military jargin, though as a military man myself I found it an easy read. However, for those not familiar with the machinations of the Imperial Roman Army, I can understand the inherant confussion. Also, anyone looking to read a novel about Boudicca herself is going to be disappointed, as she only has a small cameo and no speaking lines. But then, the story is told as an autobiography of Governor Paulinus, who would not have had any real interaction with her to write about.

Of even more interest to me was Paulinus himself, a character you cannot help but be drawn to. I researched as much as I could to find what happened to him after his recall to Rome. He was elected Consul in 66, and in the Year of the Four Emperors fought on the side of Otho. He was pardoned by Vitellius, though nothing else is known about him, and it is assumed that he retured to private life after the rise of Vespasian.

Imperial Governor is not to be missed by anyone with an interested in Roman / British history. I find it regretable that it does not share the same popularity as the works of Robert Graves.

Excellent Novel.......2005-09-24

Set in Roman Britain in the time of Boudicca's revolt, Imperial Governor is a fantastic historical novel that will be gobbled up by any with in interest in Ancient Rome.

The novel follows Suetonius Paulinus in a first person narrative, throughout his governorship of the British province. The first person perspective here really works for the story as Shipway does an excellent job of keeping the story moving while not sacrificing historical accuracy.

Shipway's characterization of Suetonius is excellent and is what I most enjoyed about the novel. He is neither infallible nor completely unlikable. More importantly Shipway's Suetonius rings true to the time period. What I hate about many historical novels, especially those set in the pre-Christian ancient world (O.K. this novel is set A.D., but just), is that they often attach modern sensibilities and morality to their characters. You will not find that here. This is no apologia for Suetonius. He is ruthlessly pragmatic. He neither shies away from torturing nor killing by the thousands. Still, Shipway does not portray Suetonius as needlessly cruel or evil, and he does manage to give the reader reasons to sympathize, and even like him. A hefty accomplishment if you ask me.

The back of the book compares this novel to I, Claudius, a fairly just comparison. While the book is not quite on par with Robert Graves' masterpiece, it is just a step below. A great read. Highly recommended.

Thorough and fascinating.......2005-06-29

I will agree with a previous review (except for the number of stars, 5 instead of 2): This book covers a fascinating period in British history. "Unfortunately, the prose is dry as toast and the characters -- arguably the most important figures in British history -- remain ciphers."

Now this is what makes this book interesting. Mr Shipway's attention to detail and historical backround accuracy are second-to-none. Simply excellent historical fiction.

It basically describes the difficulty of managing a province during the Roman Empire, and the usual dilemnas fo the manager (colelcting data, assessing options, taking decisions, planning, assigning tasks, etc) are well described. The book could have been a bit more developped (the spying opeartions are mentioned repeatedly but without details)

If you are looking for romance, story-telling and well developed characters you can empathize with, do not bother. But if you an intelligent reading that shows you how the Roman bureaucracy worked, then this is a good book.
(Do not get me wrong, sometimes I like to empathize with characters).

One weakness though regarding navy operations and battle description: No way 5,000 Legionaries can charge 50,000+ Britons and rout them without being encircled. In the real battle, the Legion first withstood the onslaught and then steadily ran down their less armored and less disciplined opponent.

One final word: the main character is human and not a hero, he makes mistakes, learns from them (not always), fights back, wins sometimes not always. This is like real life, not fantasy.

I will investigate other books by this author.

Great Fiction.......2004-12-09

I could not put this book down. It was amazing.

Although, there could be more character development. The romance with Queen Cartimandra was shallow, almost cardboard. The military jargon was thick and required many references to a dictionary and handwritten notes in the back cover.

Despite these defects, this is easily the most exciting fiction set in the Roman era I have ever read. I was hit by the same flash of excitement I picked up the book and feeling of dread when I had to put it down as when I read Steven Pressfield's "Gates of Fire".

This book is not to be missed. I was amazed by how deftly the moral issues were ambiguously addressed. The ambiguousness of the author seemed to make them more real and forces the reader to interpret them in a more objective light.

Is it wrong to exterminate a people who had months earlier just tried to exterminate you? Can timidity, if in good faith, be treasonable? Of course the answers are clearly no, but Paulinus makes a helluva good argument to the countrary.

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Graphic SF Reader
Asterix and the Normans
Very good classic!
Those Normans are crazy!
Rolling Menhirs...

Asterix and the Normans (Asterix)
Rene Goscinny
Manufacturer: Orion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0752866230

Book Description

Normans never feel fear—but they do believe that terror literally gives one wings, enabling a person to fly. Now they’re planning to test their theory on Vitalstatistix’s cowardly nephew Jusforkix by pushing him right off the edge of a cliff.

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

A relative of Vitalstatistix's sends his son to him for some toughening up training, as he is a party boy that likes fast cars, not your manly Gaulish warrior types.

When some fearless Normans invade on a scientific expedition to discover the meaning of fear, the young lad packs death, but is exactly the man that the Normans want.

Asterix and the Normans.......2007-08-23

I like Asterix and the Normans a lot because, the Normans are very much like the Gauls. Finally Asterix and Obelix have finally met their match.

Very good classic!.......2007-05-14

One of those adventures you enjoy reading, fun for any kid or adult.

Those Normans are crazy!.......2007-05-12

Rene Goscinny, Asterix and the Normans (Dargaud, 1966)

The indomitable Gauls have to face both the Normans, who don't know the meaning of the word "fear," and modernity, in the form of Vitalstatistix' Lutetian nephew Justforkix. Justforkix has been sent to the Gaulish vilage to "make a man of him;" what better way than a bunch of rapacious Normans? The usual fun. ***

Rolling Menhirs..........2007-02-06

Fight or flight, sayings say. Vikings from Norway take this to heart, it seems. They know no fear, and when they do, they believe they will be able to fly. Where will they learn fear? In Gaul, they say, so off they go. At the village in Gaul, Vitalstatistix's nephew, Jusforkix, is visiting. He doesn't know the meaning of courage, but he knows all about music...

It's not my favorite, but Asterix #9, "Asterix and the Normans" (1966) gets pretty funny in parts. I like Justforkix.

Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield (Asterix)

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
The best book in the series.
Review of "Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield"
A suspenseful story with a surprise in the end!
Great story, but pages fell out.

Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield (Asterix)
Rene Goscinny
Manufacturer: Orion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0752866257

Book Description

Julius Caesar has never recovered from his defeat by Vercingetorix. Now, years after, Caesar wants to salve his wounded pride by parading triumphantly with Vercingetorix’s shield. But where can it be? Will Caesar or the Gauls find it first?

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Julius Caesar is after a bit of a propaganda victory. He wants to be carried like a Gaul, but on Vercingetorix's shield. However, he has no idea where he left it, or that a couple of drunken soldiers in a far outpost lost it in bets and for grog.

It is race for Asterix and Obelix, let alone Dogmatix, to find the shield before the Roman agents.

The best book in the series........2007-07-18

Rene Goscinny, Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield (Dargaud, 1968)

After the conquest of the last of Gaul (except, of course, for the indomitable Gaulish village), Vercingetorix, the chieftain of the Gauls, threw his armor at Caesar's feet. There's been some upstart activity, and Caesar wants the armor to wear when he goes to Gaul to quell the uprising. Except that the Shield of Vercingetorix is missing. Where did it get off to?

This, actually, is one of the best books in the series, if not the best. Goscinny approached the subject matter as a traditional mystery, but threw in many of his own stylings, not to mention a host red (and pickled!) herrings. It's probably a bit of a stretch to say it, but what Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield reminds me of more than anything is sixties French New Wave cinema, but with a more solid structure to it. The more I think about it, the more impressed I am with it. A really, really solid entry in the series. ****

Review of "Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield".......2007-05-07

I ordered this because I read them when I was a kid and loved them. Unfortunately, the portrayal of Africans wasn't something I wanted the young African American I was mentoring to see this portrayal. Sorry!

A suspenseful story with a surprise in the end!.......2005-02-05

Goscinny tells us a unique story from 50 B.C., during which time too, people faced the intimidating problem of losing their weight. Vitalstatistix, our beloved Gaulish chief of the little village we know so well, is going through one such crisis and decides to get professional help in the matter. But professional help requires Vitalstatistix to travel away from the village, and of course, our friends and Vitalstatistix's finest men-Asterix and Obelix accompany him on his quest. Coincidently, they also manage to get involved in foiling yet another of Julius Cesar's plans to mock Gaul! One can't help but wholeheartedly appreciate the ingenuity with which Goscinny has wound together a story that connects a mundane weight loss issue with the daunting task of protecting national pride. What an excellent story, complete with a suspenseful and surprising ending!!! As always, Uderzo has excellently kept up with Goscinny's pen! A must read for all comic book fans.

Great story, but pages fell out........2003-12-11

(...).

As a child, I read all of the "classic" Asterix books in Swedish. As an adult and now living in the U.S., I am reading them again to my children, but this time in English. This is a good classic. As someone pointed out, the pages of some Asterix books, like this one, falls out after only minor wear. It seems like only the old classics do that. However, they are all out of stock by now anyway. Maybe future reprints of the classics will be as good as the new ones (with respect to binding). In general, the old classics have more entertaining stories than the new ones.

Asterix and Obelix live in a village in Gaul that the Romans failed to conquer. The reason for this is that the village druid knows how to make a magic potion that endows the villagers with super human strength. In this book the village chief, becomes sick from eating too much unhealthy food and is sent to recover at a health spa. Asterix and Obelix are accompanying their chief. Obelix the great Gourmet and Gourmand have no plans to diet, however, which makes his presence torturous to the patients. The main storyline is centered on a missing shield, which a defeated Gaulish King threw before (on) the feet of Julius Caesar. Very entertaining, and filled with great puns, as well as skillful wordplay.

I object to the druids name "Getafix". Whoever came up with the English names for the characters did not have kids in mind. The Swedish translation was a lot better concerning this item.

In general I find that, children the age 5-13 really enjoy these books, and so do my children. Adults can enjoy these books as well. The Asterix comic books are a great way to teach children ancient history. Naturally, the adult needs to help with the differentiation between fiction and history. From these books, my kids have learned about the Roman Empire, the ancient Greeks, the Vikings, the Goths, the Phoenicians, ancient Gaul, ancient Egypt, and the ancient Mediterranean world in general.

My ten year old started loving these books at the age of eight and he cannot get enough of them. My six year old started liking them at the age of five. Even though many Asterix puns may be a little bit above his head, my younger son still loves these stories.

Book Description

In ancient Rome, the slaves are rebelling—and they’ve even stolen Julius Caesar’s own warship, the finest in the Roman navy. Under the heroic leadership of Spartakis, the former galley slaves make for the small town where Caesar’s old enemies Asterix and Obelix live. Now everyone must sail to the wonderful continent of Atlantis to find a cure. But, the Romans are on the ocean blue, too...and the battles are about to come fast and furiously.

Customer Reviews:

Another amusing adventure........2007-05-12

Albert Uderzo, Asterix and Obelix All at Sea (Dargaud, 1996)

Spartacus-- oh, excuse me, Spartakis-- has managed to steal Caesar's galley out from under his nose, and is fleeing for the indomitable Gaulish village. The Romans are in hot pursuit, so the Gauls get ready for the battle. No one's paying attention to Obelix... and we finally find out what happens to him when he drinks the magic potion. Hey, we only waited three decades! That alone is worth the price of admission here, but there's another clue to something upon which Uderzo might eventually expand (keep your eyes sharp!). Good stuff. ***

Good, but not the best.......2003-12-09

As a child, I read all of the "classic" Asterix books in Swedish. As an adult I am reading them again, in English, to my American children. This time I am also reading the new ones, like this one, and I am still enjoying it. However, this one is unusually childish and unrealistic. I did not like it too much when Obelix turned into granite, and then into a child, it was a little weird and non-traditional for me. However, my kids loved Obelix being a child, and if my kids love it, I am happy. So instead of three I give it four stars.

I find that children the age 5-13 usually really enjoy these books, not just mine. These comic books are a great way to teach children ancient history. Naturally, the adult needs to help out with the differentiation between fiction and history. From these books, my kids have learned about the Roman Empire, the ancient Greeks, the Vikings, the Goths, the Phoenicians, ancient Gaul, ancient Egypt, and the ancient Mediterranean world in general.

A few people see political satire in these books, not I. I believe that is in the eye of the beholder.

The time is coming for Uderzo to lay down his pen..........2002-11-14

First published in both French and English in 1996.

Considering that Uderzo did write two excellent ones by himself-Asterix and the Black Gold, and Asterix and the Magic Carpet- this is not the best Asterix book.
No doubt, Uderzo has explored some new themes, but the idea of Obelix turning into granite, and then reverting to childhood is laying it on a bit thick-come on!
To bring the great figure, Spartacus into the equation was a good idea, and I quite liked Atlantis, with the cute little angel-children and the flying cows.
So certainly add it to your Asterix collection, but I think the time is coming soon when Uderzo should lay down his Asterix pen, and let this great series come to completion!

A Great Addition to the Series.......2001-02-16

I have heard many bad things about this one, but as an avid fan of Asterix and other works of Uderzo (Iznogud, Umpah Pah, ...), I think this is a great story. The art work is superb, Uderzo certainly gets better with each story. The plot is funny, and Spartakis is great! I have some problems with it though, the adventure seems too much for 48 pages. Seems like at times, Uderzo has had to leave the adventure without getting it anywhere. Spartakis and his band could have been given a greater role than just the cab ride from the Armorian Coast to Atlantis!

Classic Asterix.......2000-06-07

This book contains all the classic Asterix elements with the role of Obelix being priceless. It is a great read for all the people who have been following the adventures of Asterix for such a long time. I love the return to the classic elements after the mildly disappointing book "Asterix and the Secret Weapon".

Average customer rating:

Funny History
One of the more amusing early works.
Magic Potion...
Truly a nose - I mean story - of legendary proportions!!!
Oh, That Nose!

Asterix and Cleopatra (Asterix)
Rene Goscinny
Manufacturer: Orion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0752866060

Book Description

To impress Julius Caesar, Queen Cleopatra promises to build the Roman Emperor a magnificent palace in just three months. Of course, Asterix has to get involved. By the time his feisty group from Gaul have finished, they’ve outwitted the Roman army, too.

Customer Reviews:

Funny History.......2007-05-13

I love the quotations and implied humor.

This is definitely a great series.

One of the more amusing early works........2007-02-28

Rene Goscinny, Asterix and Cleopatra (Orion, 1969)

Cleopatra makes a bet with Caesar that she can build him a monument in "decadent" Egypt within thirty days, and then realizes she doesn't have the manpower to do it. So, of course, it's our indomitable Gauls to the rescue. It's amazing how many twists and subplots Goscinny could smash into forty-eight pages, and this is one of the books in the series that showcases the surprising complexity the series could achieve. Good stuff. ***

Magic Potion..........2007-02-28

Queen Cleopatra has been challenged by Julius Caesar. Queen Cleopatra challenges Edifis. They've got three months to build Julius an Egyptian estate. Edifis sails to Gaul to get his friend Getafix. Getafix's got a magic potion. May help speed up things...

"Asterix and Cleopatra" is Asterix #6. Special sort of one, I thought. Fun, colourful and kind of exotic. Feels like a holiday for Asterix and Obelix. Saw the "Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra" film. Sort of coloured it for me, re-reading the comic. Saw a bit more of the French-ness in it. Funny.

Truly a nose - I mean story - of legendary proportions!!!.......2006-02-24

This is by far my favorite of all the Asterix and Obelix stories. Goscinny is truly in his prime here. It's all there: the frustrated, abused bard, the shipwrecked pirates and of course, the nose of Cleopatra (a nose whose beauty is unsurpassed). As an added bonus, we finally get to see how the Sphinx lost its nose (and where it was rather conspicuously buried). Just for that, this thing is worth it!

Oh, That Nose!.......2005-09-28

In this Egyptian adventure, Asterix travels to Egypt to help a hapless architect design and complete a massive palace that Cleopatra is building for Caesar. Of course, it is part of a bet, and the Romans want to stop it, as well as a rival architect with his own plans and goals.

If you have ever wondered why the Sphinx has no nose, this is a must read. It is a fantastic story and one that remains as a favourite.

One nice touch was the Egyptians speaking in hieroglyphics, which make for entertainment. I was interested in this small detail, among the usual laughs that Asterix and friends provide.

Any fan of Asterix would love this story, and I recommend it without reservation.

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Home is On Top of a Dog House (Peanuts)
Charles M. Schulz
Manufacturer: Cider Mill Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1933662085

Book Description

Happiness is Classic Peanuts!
These collector’s editions perfectly recreate the original look and feel of the best-loved Peanuts books—their paper, their ink, even their lamination. And of course, the heartwarming content that charmed the world, sold millions, and launched the career of Charles M. Schulz remains untouched. On every spread there’s a tiny tidbit of wisdom from one of the gang, along with one of Schulz’s irresistible drawings. It’s a trip down memory lane that every Peanuts fan will cherish.

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Graphic SF Reader
not even close
Asterix Short Stories
Tracing four decades of Asterix
No problem occured

Asterix and the Class Act (Asterix)
Albert Uderzo
Manufacturer: Orion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Literary Criticism & Collections | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Adventure & Thrillers | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Children's Books | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books

All French Books | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0752860682

Book Description

The wait is over-the comic hero from the Roman era who has conquered the world and sold hundreds of millions of copies is back. He's an international phenomenon and a classic cartoon character.

“Wit, humane insights, and physical antics allow readers to join the fun... has cross-generational appeal.”—Booklist

Asterix, everybody’s favorite comic character, has returned, this time in a superb collection of 14 short stories. Set in 50 B.C., these hysterical historical tales follow the adventures of the wily Gallic hero and his friends who protect their town from dastardly Roman legionnaires.

Go right back to the beginning when Asterix and Obelix were born (in the middle of a village fish fight). Find out how Dogmatix helps the village cockerel win a duel and gets adopted as a Roman mascot. Follow the bidding for the very first Gaulish Olympics, fashion trends in ancient Gaul, and Obelix’s adventures under the mistletoe. Fans of Asterix will get to see him as they never have before.

• With more than 300 million copies sold (better than Harry Potter!) and 11,000 websites devoted to the series, Asterix is a global sensation.

• The last new title, Asterix and the Actress, had a record-breaking print run that resulted in sales of 160,000 books in both hardcover and paper.

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

There are a bunch of Asterix short stories here, including the story of the birth of Asterix and Obelix, as well as Dogmatix starring in an episode about the chickens of the village.

The authors also send up their discovery of the idea of Asterix and Obelix, and do the same thing to some letters they received from readers.

not even close.......2007-01-22

Not funny. Not even close to the other Asterix books.

That's what my 9-year-old boy said, when I brought this book from the library. He loves Asterix books, and rereads them many times. But he didn't even finish this one the first time through.

Luckily it cost us nothing :)

Asterix Short Stories.......2007-01-05

This book is a collection of Asterix and Obelix strips that first appeared in newspapers and magazines. Most are about 3-4 pages long. Whilst not as satisfying as the full length books, the stories still contain gems. Some are by both Goscinny and Uderzo, and some are by Uderzo only (written after Goscinny's death). As usual, the collaborative efforts of Goscinny and Uderzo are generally better than those written only by Uderzo.
My 10 year-old son initially rejected the book (he is a huge Asterix fan), but came back to it a little later and enjoyed the stories. The short stories were ideal for my 8 year-old, who doesn't yet have the attention span to appreciate a whole book, but still wants to read "Dogmatix" stories.

Tracing four decades of Asterix.......2006-06-15

A delightful collection of Asterix short srories from 1962 to 2003 , many having been printed in the French magazine Pilote , "the thinking person's comic strip magazine"
Each strip is preceeded by a short essay explaining how it was created.
None of these stories have appeared in English before.
It is interesting to trace the development of Asterix through these panels.
I particularly like the older panels from the 1960's and 70's , from Pilote magazine.

No problem occured.......2005-09-30

I purchased this product and it's just as it was described. It took about a week-10 days to receive it, though.

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Hang On - This is a Good One!
Not worth the time!
A pro
Finally, Fiction about Poker That is "The Nuts"
Not up to Hautman's standards

The Prop: A Novel
Pete Hautman
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0743284658

Book Description

National Book Award winner Pete Hautman delivers a fast-paced mystery set in the torrid, unforgiving Southwestern desert, where the stakes are sky high and all bets are off.

Peeky Kane is a prop player at an Arizona casino owned by the Santa Cruz tribe. Her job is to play poker. She makes a handsome living off the suckers who populate the card room. Life is sweet.

But something's not right at Casino Santa Cruz. When Peeky inadvertently finds herself in a fixed game and comes away a couple thousand dollars richer, she finds herself drawn unwittingly toward the dark side of professional poker. Peeky has always thought of herself as a straight shooter, but now things aren't so clear. And they're about to get a lot murkier.

When a band of clown-masked robbers makes off with millions of the casino's dollars and leaves behind four corpses, Peeky recognizes one of the robbers as a casino employee, and fears that one of her closest loved ones might also be involved. That same day, Peeky's son-in-law turns up to tell her that Jaymie, her beloved daughter, has been stealing money from Peeky for years to feed a crack habit.

Numb from these revelations, Peeky is compelled to action by an unlikely source when the most powerful member of the Santa Cruz tribe calls upon her to help him save his troubled casino. Peeky must draw on her years of reading poker faces and playing the odds to save the casino, her daughter, and herself.

Customer Reviews:

Hang On - This is a Good One!.......2006-10-26

This is my first Pete Hautman book in some time and it was well worth the wait. I enjoy books that involve gambling and are well written and this one surely qualifies. It is right up there with James Swain's numerous books involving Tony Valentine.

In using Patty Kane as the narrator, Hautman does a difficult thing. I could find no place in the book where I felt "Peekey" as she is called, was anything less than authentic.

I spend half the year in Tucson, so I was familiar with the venues she described which were not fiction. However, the Casino Santa Cruz has yet to be built (which is probably a good thing) and while Hautman may live in Minnesota, he has certainly spent a fair amount of time in The Old Pueblo.

If you like a book that is fast paced, has a lot of interesting characters and spins a yarn that keeps you turning the pages, this is for you. I loved it.

Not worth the time!.......2006-08-19

This is the first book by this author that I've read and I won't waste my time with another of his "mysteries". There was NO mystery in this book. There was no real direction to the story. It seems that Hautman added numerous filler stories because his main concept was so weak. The characters were barely believable and incredibly stupid. The main character was so pathetic. Hautman has no idea how to write a woman's character. This story seems to have been written for an adult market in a child-like fashion. It had no twists or turns in the plot and the ending just stopped. You know when you read a really good novel and you have that feeling of contentment, like you were glad you took the time to read the book. Well, after reading "THE PROP", I felt like I wasted my time. The book got tossed it into the trash where it belonged. Reading should be fun and entertaining - this book didn't come close to being fun or entertaining.

A pro.......2006-07-04

The author holds your interest effortlessly. Well written, populated by interesting characters, and an author to look for. A summer dream.

Finally, Fiction about Poker That is "The Nuts".......2006-05-30

I was a bit disappointed about the poker scenes in Pete Hautman's previous poker theme titles but The Prop more than makes up for that as this book is "the nuts" of poker fiction. Pete captures the deep layers of the poker world and spins a great tale involving cowboys, indians and the gamblers of the world. Those not as versed in poker will find this an easy enough primer of the intricate psychology involved and will find it a delightful compliment to the deeper mysteries of the plot.

Not up to Hautman's standards.......2006-05-09

In THE PROP, Pete Hautman spurns his usual Minnesota setting for Arizona. Also gone are the Fargo-esque characters, Joe Crow and Sam O'Gara. Poker also takes on a prominent role here; whereas usually it's only mentioned referentially.

The main character here is also a woman, "Peeky" Kane, who works as a "prop" at an Indian gaming casino. A prop is a player employed by the casino to fill in when there aren't enough players.

The action starts when Peeky becomes unintentionally involved in a cheating scam, then is witness to a casino holdup. A subplot involves Peeky's daughter who's addicted to crack cocaine.

Patricia "Peeky" Kane is a very likable character. Hautman does a nice job with a woman's voice. When she's feeling stressed, she turns to Cherry Garcia ice cream and Vouvray (wine). She keeps thousands of dollars hidden away in shoe boxes and cookie jars. Cisco, the Santa Cruz elder who founded the casino, is also very well drawn. We're not quite sure the Santa Cruz indians ever existed; yet Cisco is able to convince the government to give him land upon which to build his casino.

The subplot involving the daughter gets old after awhile; Peeky and her son-in-law, Eduardo, whom she calls "The Black Prince," keep trying to save Jaymie, the daughter, from herself, but she keeps running away. The secondary characters also leave something to be desired. Jaymie is a stereotype; Eduado doesn't do much except fight, and Peeky's lover, Buddy, just isn't believable. I would imagine Hautman wrote this because of the popularity of Holdem poker on TV, but I think he would have been better served if he'd stayed with his tried and true characters, some of whom have played poker professionally.

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