THE VALLEY OF THE COBRAS
By Hergé, translated by Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper & Michael Turner (Egmont UK)
ISBN 13: 978-1-4052-1244-1
The last completed adventure of the adventurous and capable Legrand family came out in the 1950’s, when Hergé was at the peak of his creative powers. Although he found the concept a difficult one to work with, devoid of the opportunities for satire or social commentary, the wholesome adventurism of this series – created at the request of a Catholic priest – still provides thrilling and funny entertainment for kids of all ages. Father Courtois, the director of the French weekly newspaper Coeurs Vaillants (‘Valiant Hearts’) wanted an inspirational serial to promote family values and this is just what Hergé delivered – albeit at tremendously infrequent intervals.
Whilst vacationing in the Alps, the children Jo and Zette inadvertently fall foul of the whimsical and capricious Maharajah of Gopal, who is infuriated that they are better skiers than he. Matters worsen when Jo accidentally hits the Maharajah with a snowball.
The spoiled, rich bully’s appalling behaviour escalates until eventually their father Jacques administers a long overdue spanking to the middle-aged potentate which completely changes his attitude. The much friendlier Maharajah engages the engineer to construct a bridge across the fabled Valley of the Cobras that divides his mountainous kingdom. As the family embark for the sub-continent all are unaware that the villainous Prime Minister of Gopal has colluded with a greedy Fakir to sabotage the project…
Begun in 1939 but shelved for nearly two decades, this is a light exuberant adventure, full of thrills and packed with laughs, executed with the captivating artistry that has made Tintin a global phenomenon. This is a book any child will adore.
© 1957, 2007 Editions Casterman, Paris& Tournai. All Rights Reserved.
English text © 1986, 2005 Egmont UK Limited. All Rights Reserved.