Anthea Bell Boeken

A truthful and passionate account of the golden age of literary Vienna; its seeming permanence, its promise, and its devastating fall.

In his sixth album, Jean-Jacques Sempé explores the contradictions and absurdities of modern life through illustrations and cartoons. Originally published in France in 1970, "Highs and Lows" is now available in English for the first time, appealing to both cartoon enthusiasts and a wider audience.

How can lovely Queen Cleopatra show Julius Caesar that ancient Egypt is still a great nation? Her architect Edifis recruits his Gaulish friends to help him build a magnificent palace within three months. There are villainous saboteurs to be outwitted, but Asterix, Obelix and Getafix still find time to go sight-seeing - and leave their mark on the pyramids and the Sphinx's nose.

This fifth album by Jean-Jacques Sempé includes familiar characters like artists and psychologists, alongside tyrannical computers and friendly aliens. With fresh humor and beautiful illustrations in Sempé's unique style, it will attract both cartoon enthusiasts and a broader audience.

Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is. She's only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. She suspects the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-German, is up to something nefarious, but nobody will believe her. And she's just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably been using her all along. Emerald Green is the stunning conclusion to Kerstin Gier's Ruby Red Trilogy, picking up where Sapphire Blue left off, reaching new heights of intrigue and romance as Gwen finally uncovers the secrets of the time-traveling society and learns her fate.

Oh no! The Romans have captured Cacofonix as a gift for Caesar-and the Emperor plans to throw him to the lions. There's only one way for Asterix and Obelix to rescue their bard: they have to become gladiators themselves.

Gaul, now France, has always been famous for its food and drink - so when, for a bet with the Romans, Asterix and Obelix travel round collecting local delicacies they start on the journey home with all sorts of goodies. First, however, they must outwit the thieves Villanus and Unscrupulus. And who's that little dog who has been following them all the way?

When the Romans persuade a Gaulish chief to challenge Vitalstatistix to single combat, no one worries much. But then a flying menhir hits Getafix and he no longer remembers how to make his magic potion. Can Asterix help restore Getafix's memory?

A neighboring Gaulish chief asks the people of Asterix's village to help guard a cauldron full of money from the Romans. But the sneaky chief plans to double-cross everyone. So he steals back the cash just when Asterix is standing sentinel. Can Asterix and Obelix recover the riches?