Asterix and the Goths (Asterix (Orion Paperback))

Rating:
Summary: Save the druid!
Review: As a child, I read all of the "classic" Asterix books in Swedish. As an adult living in the U.S., I am reading them again to my children, but this time in English. This is an old classic, and a good one.

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 make a magic potion that that endows the villagers with super human strength. In this book the druid is kidnapped by Goths (ancient Germans) who wants to use his potion in war of conquest. The story is spellbinding at the same time as it is full of puns, and lighthearted jokes.

I find that in general, children the age 5-13 usually really enjoy these books, not just 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.

In my opinion the best Asterix albums are: Asterix and the Normans; Asterix in Corsica; Obelix and company; Asterix the Gladiator; Asterix the Legionary; Asterix and Cleopatra; Asterix and the Goths; Asterix in Belgium; Asterix and the big fight; and Asterix all around Gaul. The last title is a translation from Swedish and might be wrong.

Rating:
Summary: Asterix in Germany
Review: First published in French in 1963 as Astérix et les Goths, it was first published in English in 1974.
Asterix and Obelix accompany Druid Getafix to the Annual Conference of Druids, where Getafix is captured by Goths.
After causing much confusion among the Romans in Eastern Gaul, they sneak into Germania to rescue the Druid, and cause great strife among the Goths, ensuring that by the time they leave , the Goths will be very busy, warring with each other, indeed.
As always Goscinny and Uderzo poke fun at the various peoples of Europe, this time is the turn of the Germans, but it is done in good humor, that everyone can appreciate, and should offend no one. And what's more you get to learn all about the history of Ancient Germania.

Rating:
Summary: Axterix vs. a nation of goosestepping morons
Review: Getafix(in other Asterix books Magigimmix), the village druid, is captured by a cohort of Visigoths("Why the past tense?")on his way home from the annual Druid Conference. His friends, Asterix and Obelix, embark on a journey to save their buddy. The Romans, in their typical bullheadedness, muddle things up in their search for the Goths.
This is a story filled with wit, hilarious names, funny wordplay, and nice artwork. Notice the Goths' WW1 style helmets.
This book was made when computers were not, and the color is done by hand. However, there are many uncolored spots in the book, hence the 4 stars.
I love this book. I recommend it to anyone.