Customer Reviews

Asterix and the Banquet (Asterix (Orion Hardcover))

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
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Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, Asterix and the Banquet (Orion, 1965)

I decided to re-read all the Asterix books I'd read, and read the ones I hadn't, back in 2004. I had gotten through most of them by 2005, but three eluded me. I tracked down Mansions of the Gods in 2007, but Asterix the Legionary and Asterix and the Banquet, for some reason, have been well-nigh impossible to find. I try to get them through Interlibrary Loan twice a year or so, on the off chance one of the very few libraries that actually have copies will have one in stock. I struck it lucky this time, and got hold of Asterix and the Banquet. Only one to go!

This is another geography-lesson issue, with Asterix and Obelix touring France and picking up local delicacies in order to win a bet with a Roman prefect. There is, of course, a plethora of opportunities for bad puns, silly jokes, and all the other hallmarks of the series. (It has also been noted that this book marks the first appearance of Dogmatix.) Fun stuff. If you like the rest of the series, this one's a gimme. ***

First published in French in 1965 as Le tour de Gaule d'Astérix , it was first published in English in 1979. An action pact , fun filled adventure , Asterix and Obelix tour Gaul (Ancient France) in order to win a bet to prove to the Roman occupiers that Gaul is their country and that they will go where they like in it.
The proof is food specialities from all over Gaul which is to be presented in a banquet. Naturally the Romans pull out all stops to stop our friends but as always (and as we shall see in the adventure ) the Gauls are irreperessible.

We get to see what Ancient Gaul in the minds of the writers looked like . This may have been a parody of France in 1965!

The humorous depiction of the adventures of the inhabitants of one small village in Gaul, (modern day France) which defies roman occupation in 50 BC with the superhuman power of a magic potion. Its full of beautiful visuals and excellent pun, especially the play of words in conversation and names of characters. Its gentle satire pokes fun on modern life, art and politics with caricatures of Napoleon, Shakespeare, Zorro and even James Bond!

An excellent addition for your collection. Also very good introduction if you are unfamiliar with Asterix & his adventures.

What can I say? I buy the Asterix books for my middle school sons who adore them. They were first introduced to them when they were in grade school, by some friends from France. I was always an anti-comic book mom, but how can I complain when world history is thrown into the story? Both boys (ages 12 and 14) read and reread all of the titles we own. We have the paperback versions and the bindings are very sturdy and hold up to all the wear and tear and usage. They love 'em!

My son and I love them. Gives you an appreciation for the variety of foods, and how people in France really like their food. It is also not afraid to mention alcohol in a children's book, which I think is good: makes it demystify the topic (should only be drunk by adults, and in moderation is something to be enjoyed, as part of a good meal!).

The Romans have surrounding the Gaulish village. Asterix makes a bet with their commander that he can get out, and take a tour de France, to retrieve a delicacy from each region, for a big banquet.

They will invite the commander to join them, as proof of victory. Any form of transport will do, even if Obelix has to carry a horse. No bikes to be seen though!

Sick of Asterix's village being free of Roman rule, Caesar sends a prefect to build a barricade around the village. Vitalstatistix, Getafix and all the others are very annoyed at this. Gaul is their home, they want freedom to visit brothers and sisters in other towns. Asterix gives the Romans a challenge. He and Obelix will not be stopped by a barricade. He will not only break free, but tour France, gathering tasty treats for the village banquet. Fish soup, ham, humbugs, salad, French everything from everywhere French. Will Asterix and Obelix succeed? How will they do it?

When I was a kid, I was a big fan of "Asterix and the Banquet" (Asterix #5). Felt like a big party celebrating Asterix and France. Still a fairly good read for fans. Fun looking for Dogmatix too.