TINTIN ET LES PICAROS

This was the final book entirely designed and finished by Hergé (although he received a great deal of help from his team (Bob de Moor) for the graphic parts). Surprisingly, the main character of the book is, once again (Les Bijoux de La Castafiore) diva Bianca Castafiore (who first appeared in Le Sceptre d'Ottokar), who ends end being kidnapped by a South American banana republic leader. A return to that part of the world for Tintin, who first met General Alcazar in L'Oreille Cassée. Just as Hergé pokes fun at Africa in Tintin au Congo, he ridicules Banana Republics in Tintin et Les Picaros. But he also seizes the  opportunity to mock Capitaine Haddock and his weakness for whisky. Tournesol invents a product that, once ingested, makes any form of alcoholic beverage undrinkable.

Not a difficult book to find, but one that often looses its spine, like its compagnon Vol 714 pour Sydney.

This particular book is in outstanding shape.

Hergé died in 1983 after a long illness.