Georges REMI, known as HERGÉ (1907-1983) THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN First edition, 2nd plate A20, 1943, Casterman, 3 n° of authorization 4th plate Pellior red spine, dark blue endpapers. Print run 30,031 copies, published in bookshops on Tuesday 5 October 1943. Publication of this adventure in Le Soir began on 12 June 1942, but it was on 21 November that Hergé began to consider the cover of the album. Hergé wrote: "It will be entitled The Secret of the Unicorn. Does that please you? However, before I start drawing, I have to wait for the model of the Louis XIV ship that bears that name to be completed" (a model commissioned from Liger-Belair with a view to marketing it). On 10 January 1943, Hergé sent in the draft cover design for The Secret of the Unicorn, the story of which was to be published in Le Soir, and began to format it. Charles Lesne judged the design to be "amazing": "it's one of the best in the series". Hergé was delighted: "I have to admit I'm quite happy with it too". On 25 August 1943, Charles Lesne wrote: "The print run of La Licorne is progressing well, we are almost half way through. This new album promises to be one of the most successful, as much for the interest of the story and the finesse of the drawing as for the beauty of the colouring. [...]" Hergé was very pleased with the album: on 29 August he said: "The few sheets that Mr Casterman showed me were indeed remarkable. The progress is becoming clearer and clearer, and that is very encouraging, both for you and for me. On 15 September 1943, Lesne wrote: "And here is La Licorne. I'm sending you by post the very first finished copy in paperback so that you can examine this new child more quickly. It is in sublime condition: the sections are new, with no foxing or tears, the name is on the title page, and the covers are magnificent despite imperceptible rubbing on the lower edge of the first cover. An exceptional album. Hergé/Tintinimaginatio 2024