L'ile noire (Les Adventures de Tintin)

In this story, Tintin has to clear his name when he's accused of a crime. Dupont et Dupond chase him across England and up to Scotland in a typically ludicrous series of adventures culminating on L'Ile Noire itself where the dreaded and fearsome 'bête' (beast) is at large (it's not Nessie in case you were wondering) but luckily terrified by the sight of Milou. Well, who wouldn't be...It's especially interesting for UK readers because this is the only adventure set in the UK. This edition is the revamped version from the 1960s. The original 1940s version was deemed too inaccurate in its portrayal of this country so much of it was redrawn. I haven't seen the original so I can't say whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, but I did hear that the new drawings weren't done by Hergé himself.This is the (original size) large hardcover version of this book, not the too-small-to-see half size version Amazon also sells.These books are excellent for anyone learning to read French since the difficulty is moderate, the language used is idiomatic, and the pictures help you understand what's happening. I also find that not being able to read them without a bit of effort makes them much more interesting and almost gives you back the mystery you felt reading them in English as a child.

If you buy the version with Tintin standing on the rocks on the front cover, this is the 1943 version, much closer to the 1938 black and white original, except for 4 changes.If you are buying the version with Tintin in a boat on the front cover, you are buying the 1966 version rewritten by the translators Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper and Michael Turner and redrawn, in conjunction with Herge.This 1966 version contains some 300 changes including replacing all of the cars, boats, trains and uniforms with more up to date or 'accurate' drawings, not by Herge himself, the 'violence' has been toned down and there are some minor changes to the story.The 1966 book is less of a Herge work of art and more of a exercise in political correctness and marketing for the English audience and as a result loses much of its original charm.They are two entirely different books, both good in their own right, personally I own both versions in English and French, but if i had to choose just one, i would go for the 1943 version - Remember, the one with the front cover showing Tintin on the rocks, not in the boat.

I read all the TinTin books when I was little and they are great. Now, learning french, I thought it would be a fantastic way to help my learn, however, the text is very small and in a serif font so, incredibly difficult to read.Unfortunately I will be returning.

A masterpiece that finally found its way to my collection of original French/Belgian version of Tintin books in black & white. Great to see the the original thoughts and drawings, and compare them with the new versions. An epic book to me.Delivery went smooth as always.The size of this book is correct size, not mine or anything else.

I absolutely loved these books when I was a kid. And so, I ordered the French version to send out to Africa, where I am sponsoring a little boy. I know that he and his community will love reading it, as it is full of adventure and action.

I really like the original black and white Tintins. unfortunately only 5 into English so I am translating it thru google. This book is very good.

Read all of these as a child, in French. Great little stories except that Milou is the name of the dog...not Snowy!

Excellent, very happy. Good product and fast delivery.