Asterix and the Banquet: Album #5 (Adventures of Asterix)

And his lovely wife; Obtusius, love reading of the antics of primitives like Asterix, etc. Peel us another grape Obty, baby!

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!).

Gave these books to some junior high kids. They not only loved the graphic story, but also enjoyed the sprinkeling of Latin throught. Nearly all continued learning through Latin classes at school. A superior intro to our Mother Tongue as well as a thoroughly interesting comic book series for its own sake.

I grew up with these books and I still love them. I got them for my son, but I still enjoy them as an adult!As for my son, he is asking for the whole collection!

Old classic. My son is really enjoying them. I used to read them when I was a kid and loved them.

It is great to see this classic comic in print. My son reads it over and over, picking up on more of the subtle and not-quite-so subtle humor each time!

Looks good.

Rather indistinct from other books in the lineage.

Very happy with the price and quality. A wonderful new way to enjoy an old favourite comic book.Looking forward to getting some more

I bought a bunch of Asterix books for Christmas gifts. They all came before their expected delivery date and all were in excellent new condition. They are worth their price.

Brilliant

For my money, this is one of the very best in the Asterix series. The story is pretty decent but anyone familiar with the cities in France featured in this book will immediately appreciate the jokes which abound in this adventure which sees Asterix and Obelix complete to tour of France to gather all the regional dishes for a banquet as part of a wager. Having visited many of the cities mentioned in this volume myself, the humour is extremely well observed and expresses a knowledge of local history whether it is the Roman cellars in Reims (The "cryptoportique") or the "traboules" in Lyon where the endeavours of the French resistance to the Nazis is alluded to. There is also a sly dig at the Nice being a centre of glamour even in Roman times. Anyone who loves France will recognise a lot in this effort. It is effectively a Michelin guide of France but with Asterix, Obelix and Dogmatix at the helm. Reading Asterix reveals these books to be so multi-layered that it is difficult to conclude that these books weren't written for the benefit of adults. Kids may not get beyond the cartoon violence but this is probably one of the best books which relishes in references to popular culture and everyday French life, regional characteristics , badly punning jokes, a good grasp of Roman history and an understanding of the Classics. The English translation is exceptional but, to be honest, when the words and illustrations chime as is the case in this adventure, these stories are worthy of scholarly analysis. Anything less than 5 stars would not be credible.