Tintin Forums

Hi there,

I've just finished The Real Hergé: The Inspiration Behind Tintin, by Sian Lye audiobook.

I really enjoyed it, but I found myself less interested in the parts about his love life and the Post-WWII trials, can you recommend an audiobook that focuses more on the creation and critical reception of the books?

I realise audiobooks on Hergé are probably scant, so any printed recommendations welcome also

Thanks

Hi Bashibazouk2,
I don't know if it's available as an audio book, but the late Harry Thompson's unauthorised biography, first published in 1992, tends to focus more on the creation and reception of Hergé's work than on his complicated private life, the full details of which – extensively covered in later biographies – I don't think the author was aware. I believe the book's been criticised for these and other omissions, and a few other minor inaccuracies, but given that you're less interested in reading about that side of Hergé's life anyway, maybe that doesn't matter! The book's been much praised for its very engaging writing style, with the author – a comedy writer himself – interested in Hergé's development as a creator and sympathetic to his work struggles.

Not an audiobook, but I quite enjoyed the "Totally Tintin" podcast, made by two cartoonists that went book by book (even page by page) covering both his art, reception, and some of Hergé's personal life. I'm not sure how well researched every episode was, but I quite enjoyed it.

great recommendations! thanks so much