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Background
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- English Title: Asterix
and the Chieftain's Shield
- French Title: Le
Bouclier Arverne
- Asterix Book Number:
11
- First Published: 1968
- First Published in English:
1977
- Written by:
Rene Goscinny
- Illustrated by: Albert
Uderzo
- Translated By:
Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge
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Plot
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"When the hero Vercingetorix was defeated
he threw his arms at Julius Caesar's feet. Years later, Caesar
plans to hold a triumph with his enemy's shield - but where
is it? Romans and Gauls race to track it down, and Chief Vitalstatistix,
dieting on a health farm, has a surprise to spring. Will Caesar
defeat the Gauls again, or will the triumph go to Asterix?"
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Take
a look Inside
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You can view Images
from Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield here.
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Notable
Characters
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Diagnostix the Druid
- What it means: Diagnostics: determining
an illness
- About: When Getafix determines that Vitalstatistix
has Liver problems, he sends him to his colleague Diagnostix.
Diagnostix runs the successful Hydro at Aquae Calidae. He
believes in strict diets of boiled vegetables and the power
of the springs water. His patience is tested by Asterix
and Obelix who accompanied their chief and he has to send
them away after they disrupt the treatments of his patients.
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Wineanspirix
- What it means: Wine and spirits
- About : On their journeys in Gergovia Asterix
and Obelix meet Wineanspirix, who, along with all the shops
on his street sell Wine and Coal. This isn't as bad for
business as one might expect - they buy wine and coal from
each other! It is not beer coincidence that he and the Gauls
meet, for he is linked in the mystery of the missing shield.
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Tribune Noxius Vapus
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What it means: Noxious vapors:
poisonous gasses.
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About: Noxius Vapus is a
special envoy of Julius Caesar who is sent to find the
missing Chieftain's shield. He has a large ego which is
taken down quite a few sizes when he meets Asterix and
Obelix.
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The
Original Pilote Cover:
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Review
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This book makes a wonderful satire on the
health industry, and seems all the more relevant today. The
book also satires big business workplaces with great hilarity.
Unfortunately, some of the humour surrounding the Gergovian
people is lost on English readers. Its a good book but not
consistently funny. Uderzo has admitted that his drawing wasn't
as good as it could have been in this book and the ghastly
colouring does not help.
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