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The Nutcracker

by E.T.A. Hoffmann, Maurice Sendak (Illustrator), Ralph Manheim (Translator)

4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 · rating details · 3,262 ratings · 137 reviews

"A classic, new and complete. One of the ten best illustrated children's books of the year."
-- New York Times Book Review

The tale of Nutcracker, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816, has fascinated and inspired artists, composers, and audiences for almost two hundred years. It has retained its freshness because it appeals to the sense of wonder we all share.

Maurice Sendak de...more

Hardcover, 120 pages

Published September 13th 1984 by Gramercy (first published 1816)

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Jan 05, 2013 Nicola rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reason for Reading: I have never read this classic Christmas story and thought it would be a wonderful addition to my Christmas reading this year. I am also a huge fan of Maurice Sendak.

I have not ever read the Nutcracker before, nor have I ever seen the ballet. I am not a ballet-type person. Neither have I seen a movie version of the story. I *have* seen some Christmas movies which featured a girl who was in the ballet and have a very basic knowledge of the story from that, so I was very intere...more Reason for Reading: I have never read this classic Christmas story and thought it would be a wonderful addition to my Christmas reading this year. I am also a huge fan of Maurice Sendak.

I have not ever read the Nutcracker before, nor have I ever seen the ballet. I am not a ballet-type person. Neither have I seen a movie version of the story. I *have* seen some Christmas movies which featured a girl who was in the ballet and have a very basic knowledge of the story from that, so I was very interested to finally read the original story. But I cannot compare it to the abridged version everyone is more familiar with. Sendak starts the book off with a very informative Introduction that explains how Hoffman's story got mixed up with a tale by Alexandre Dumas to become the popular tale told in the ballet we know today. He then goes on to recount how he became involved in both a new ballet production of the original in the early '80s and the illustration of this first true-to-the-original English translation. Excellent piece of writing.

The tale itself is a product of the Regency Era, albeit from the German counterpart. This is a tiny bit earlier than the period I most prefer in my reading (post-1830) so I found the style not quite my thing but the story is a fantastical tale. What is usually referred to as a tale within a tale, the best part, I thought, of the whole story was the little girl's fantasy into the story of the hard nut. From what I gathered in the Introduction, this is the part left out of the ballet. By far the best part of the whole story! Indeed a fairy tale; this is a good translation which reads with the authenticity of its time period and yet is not stilted, taking the modern reader into account with the flow of the language. An enjoyable story, full of wonder, which would make a very good read aloud to a variety of ages. The story itself is not scary and Sendak's illustrations are wonderful. He does not make much use of his "monster" style here except in a few instances, especially in the Nutcracker himself, whom I found quite hideous and his illustration may frighten small children.

I can't understand why this is referred to a Christmas story though. Yes, the book starts on Christmas Eve, but time passes and Christmas is not a theme here. I was especially delighted that the children expected their gifts to be delivered to them by the mystery of the "Christ Child"; What a wonderful way to have celebrated Christmas! Overall, I am glad to have finally experienced this classic children's tale and did enjoy it but would not put it on an equal footing with say "The Christmas Carol" or "The Bird's Christmas Carol".(less)

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Dec 08, 2012 Cynthia ☮ ❤ ❀ added it

Hardcover, 120 pages
Published October 2012 by Gramercy (first published 1816)
ISBN: 051755285X (ISBN13: 9780517552858)
Edition Language: English
Original Title: Nußknacker und Mausekönig: Aus: "Die Serapionsbrüder"
"On the twenty-fourth of December Dr. Stahlbaum's children were not allowed to set foot in the small family parlor, much less the adjoining company parlor--not at any time during the day." Nutcracker

If you grew up reading Where the Wild Things Are, and you love the luscious illustrations...more Hardcover, 120 pages
Published October 2012 by Gramercy (first published 1816)
ISBN: 051755285X (ISBN13: 9780517552858)
Edition Language: English
Original Title: Nußknacker und Mausekönig: Aus: "Die Serapionsbrüder"
"On the twenty-fourth of December Dr. Stahlbaum's children were not allowed to set foot in the small family parlor, much less the adjoining company parlor--not at any time during the day." Nutcracker

If you grew up reading Where the Wild Things Are, and you love the luscious illustrations of Maurice Sendak, the Caldecott Award winning author and illustrator, then here is a Christmas classic for all you Sendak fans, young and old alike, the new updated release of E.T.A. Hoffmann's Nutcracker with illustrations by Maurice Sendak and translation by Ralph Manheim. The New York Times Book Review called this new release, "A classic, new and complete. One of the ten best illustrated children's books of the year." If you have never read it, here is your chance, if you have, then here is your chance to reacquaint yourself with a Christmas treasure.

Maurice Sendak, said, “You cannot write for children. They're much too complicated. You can only write books that are of interest to them. ” How true, and this book fits the bill. You might be thinking, Oh, I've seen the ballet version, I don't need to read the book, but you would be wrong. The ballet, version of the Nutcracker is based on Hoffmann's story, but. as with any adaptation, key elements have been left out, which makes the reading of Nutcracker all the more enjoyable. Also, the more edgy tone of the original story has been softened in the ballet version of the same name. Think of the ballet as the Disney version of the story, if you will.

The timing of the reissue of Nutcracker is perfect coming, coincidentally, just as Sendak fans everywhere are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the release of Sendak's award-winning Where the Wild Things Are. As an aside, take a peek at the exhibit at the Appleton Museum of Art entitled "Sendak & Co.: Children's Book Illustrations Since ‘Where the Wild Things Are'.

Hoffman's story is presented much like a Grimm's fairy tale. Written originally in 1816, the story has the feel of another time and place; one filled with magic and mystery. The language matches the time period. Some might think the vocabulary is too difficult for the very young, but paired with the imaginative illustrations on par with Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are, this, in my opinion, is not a problem. If your child is very young, I would suggest reading two or three pages a night during December until the book is completed. What better way to introduce the very young to new words. The English teacher in me loves the fact that the Nutcracker uses, within the prose of the story, poetry, alliteration, and repetition to further enhance the story line. For example:

"Drums rolled trumpets blared. The princes and potentates appeared in their resplendent robes of state, some on white palfreys, others in crystal coaches. crown on head and scepter in hand, the king welcomed them and took his seat at the head of the table." Nutcracker

Enter the magical cosmos of the Nutcracker and meet Clare, Marie, Fritz, and Godfather Dosselmeier. Make your way into the fairy tale world of the King of the Rats, and General Nutcracker. If you are looking for a book for the whole family to enjoy during the holidays, again, here is a classic, the new updated release of E.T A. Hoffmann's Nutcracker with illustrations by Maurice Sendak; Translation by Ralph Manheim.

Cynthia
The Things You Can Read
http://thethingsyoucanread.blogspot.com/
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Dec 07, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

I went to the Nutcracker Ballet every year as a little girl. It was such a tradition I can't remember not going, but at some point I stopped going. I don't remember how old I was, maybe when I stopped believing in Santa? Maybe later. But schools used to go on field trips to see it I remember. It was A BIG DEAL! And I haven't seen it since I was a little girl. But I vaguely remembered bits and pieces of it. A girl in a white dress. A soldier, a battle, a rat soldier. All of it was kind of way bac...more I went to the Nutcracker Ballet every year as a little girl. It was such a tradition I can't remember not going, but at some point I stopped going. I don't remember how old I was, maybe when I stopped believing in Santa? Maybe later. But schools used to go on field trips to see it I remember. It was A BIG DEAL! And I haven't seen it since I was a little girl. But I vaguely remembered bits and pieces of it. A girl in a white dress. A soldier, a battle, a rat soldier. All of it was kind of way back in my mind.

I started with the Prologue for The Nutcracker written by Maurice Sendak in 1984. He dug up the original story of the Nutcracker written by E.T.A. Hoffmann. It was then translated by Ralph Manheim and a whole subplot "The Story of the Hard Nut" was discovered that had never been performed in the ballet. So not only did I get to rekindle my memories of the ballet I remembered, but an entirely new fairytale was revealed to me. And you know how when you read a book, it's always better than the movie?
The same is true for watching a ballet and reading the book. You can read the intentions and feelings, what everything looks like in detail, whereas on a stage you might miss something because you're too far away. So, as always, I liked the book better. I always will.

It starts off right away with a beautifully written story, somewhat dark, set in the past with the Christ Child bringing their presents. And they are very good children indeed as they get many presents. The tree is described in great detail and so beautifully, I want to decorate mine like that. And then Marie finds the Nutcracker and falls in love with it. But she's told she has to share The Nutcracker and her brother Fritz breaks him. All is better when she is given the Nutcracker to care for and she wraps him in her handkerchief. She is besotted with him.

Now you may or may not know the story from there but the King of the Mice wages a battle against the Nutcracker and Marie and her brother's soldiers. Marie is wounded and her Godfather comes to tell her a story, "The Story of the Hard Nut," which he tells her over three consecutive nights and repairs the Nutcracker. "The Story of the Hard Nut" explains why the King of the Mice and the Nutcracker are fighting in the first place, a long history between the two families, err mice and man. It greatly adds to the story and I'm sorry it's been left out for so long.

I always remembered that Clara was the center of the romance in The Nutcracker, but it is dear sweet Marie and her steadfast love of the ugly Nutcracker that brings the story to it's end. She is laughed at by her family as she tells of her journey with The Nutcracker to Marzipan Castle where he is King. She's not allowed to mention it again for fear of her father throwing The Nutcracker and all her other dolls out as well. But all is well in the end.

The pictures are...they are Maurice Sendak. There are a few monsters from Where the Wild Things Are peeking out from behind things. They are as descriptive as a picture can be. I've always loved Maurice Sendak's work and it works so well in this story with the King of the Mice and the Nutcracker especially.
I highly recommend adding this to your Christmas collection. I loved the ending!!

Thanks to Crown Publishing for a complimentary copy of the book for review.
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Nov 26, 2012 Vera Godley rated it 4 of 5 stars

As a young child, I danced ballet and throughout my life I have enjoyed the beauty, precision, and strength represented by the performances. The music of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker has always enchanted me. To see E.T.A. Hoffmann's NUTCRACKER performed so graciously would be a real treat.

The collaboration of Maurice Sendak as artistic designer with the Pacific Northwest Ballet for E.T.A. Hoffmann's NUTCRACKER brought the story to a new level of intensity revealing the darker side of the story and "...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Jill rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is not just a hackneyed version of "The Nutcracker" dressed up by the magnificent illustrations of Maurice Sendak. On the contrary, this book (beautifully printed and bound) features the original story written by E.T.A. Hoffmann, later watered down for the famous ballet. While I have always loved the ballet in any form, this story is far superior to the traditional one, and captured my attention from the very start. As Sendak wrote in his preface about the version familiar to audiences toda...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Patty rated it 5 of 5 stars

Nutcracker
By
E.T.A. Hoffman
Pictures
by
Maurice Sendak

My " in a nutshell" summary...

This is the original story and its illustrations with a lovely introduction by Maurice Sendak...who also designed the sets for the original ballet production.

My thoughts after reading this book...

I think that Maurice Sendak was looking for a different kind of Nutcracker...a sort of story within a story. Apparently in his quest to create something different and unique he drew on the sets he created and then added mor...more

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Nov 10, 2012 Camille Millar rated it 5 of 5 stars

As a little girl completely mesmerized by the Nutcracker ballet, I could not pass up the opportunity to read the actual story by E.T.A. Hoffman. Translated by Ralph Manheim into this beautifully illustrated edition, I didn't realize what a treat I was in store for. Delightful, delightful! I felt like a little girl again! All the magic of Christmas just pours out of the pages! The illustrator (who also illustrated Where the Wild Things Are) creates the most quaint and intricate scenes. What a leg...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Annette added it

What a cute book Nutcracker is. I was unfamiliar with the story, and thoroughly enjoyed learning about this weird little tale.

It is weird. I've never seen the ballet, or read or heard this entire story. It's kind of complex. The little girl, Marie, gets a nutcracker for Christmas, and she becomes attached to him. He comes alive, and there's a big battle in her bedroom, involving all her dolls and her brother's hussars.

Godfather Drosselmeier tells her a story about a princess, who gets cursed by...more

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Dec 19, 2011 nicole j. wroblewski rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: holiday, 2011

While this was a FAR superior translation to the edition I attempted to read last year (it was so badly written and made so little sense I had to quit), it seems like a whole lot of to do for very little story. The rat king is so easily defeated and the story of the Hard Nut makes so little sense and in the end... an eight year old gets married? Yay? I can see the basis for all the iconic elements we've all come to recognize and adore, of course, and I can even see its influence oh other such se...more

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Nov 05, 2012 Jessica at Book Sake rated it 4 of 5 stars

Having never read Nutcracker and having never seen the ballet, I wanted to pick this one up for a new holiday read. If you are unfamiliar with the story as I was, it focuses on a little girl and the story behind a nutcracker that is given to her family during Christmas. The story features more violence than I would have imagined, with the rat family threatening multiple people, war, and horrible spells. It also features a land made up of candy items and candy is featured prominently in the story...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Caitlin Schwatka rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: eced-221

Rereading this book was like pressing the rewind button and going back in time to my childhood. From the dream-like plot to the unique painting of the illustrations, this book holds inside what every good story should contain. Clara, like most little girls, feels a sense of magic dancing through her home on Christmas Eve. This feeling grows much larger when her uncle comes to visit and brings her no regular doll, but a nutcracker. This timeless story takes Clara from her family room, to a battle...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Cheryl rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Nutcracker is a book to treasure with the whole family. If you are wanting to start a new tradition or continue an old one then you should make sure that The Nutcracker is one of those traditions. This is a classic book. With a great story and breathtaking illustrations.

I definitely was cheering for the nutcracker. He was the silent hero and good guy that won. In this book the mouse king and his army were scary. This was with help from the illustrations. I have not had the pleasure of seein...more

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Dec 13, 2012 Diane rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a beautiful reissued edition of the Nutcracker, (Crown Publishing - October 2012) of the timeless story by E.T.A. Hoffman, originally written in 1816 is truly a beautiful book. It's release is perfect timing for 2012 gift giving.

Although most of us have read or at least had someone read the Nutcracker to us at some point in our lives, it's always a treat to revisit the story around the holidays. I also love the way the ballet has brought this story to life in new ways at this time of ye...more This is a beautiful reissued edition of the Nutcracker, (Crown Publishing - October 2012) of the timeless story by E.T.A. Hoffman, originally written in 1816 is truly a beautiful book. It's release is perfect timing for 2012 gift giving.

Although most of us have read or at least had someone read the Nutcracker to us at some point in our lives, it's always a treat to revisit the story around the holidays. I also love the way the ballet has brought this story to life in new ways at this time of year, and will never forget my experience seeing it on the New York stage with my own children and as an adult.

Rather than detail the story yet again when it's so familiar to many, I'll just say the story is about a young girl around the age of seven, who grows attached to a somewhat ugly looking nutcracker that the family received on Christmas Eve from an uncle. When her slightly older brother breaks the jaw of the nutcracker, the girl is saddened. She puts the nutcracker to bed on Christmas Eve, but not before trying to repair it. That night strange things happen and the nutcracker seems to come alive in her room. It's not all dancing sugar plum fairies and beautiful magic though, as there is some darkness related in part to some evil mice in this story.

There is also another tale called, The Story of the Hard Nut, which give the reader the background story of the Nutcracker and the mice. Although the story is timeless and does have a happy ending, it isn't a story for very very young children, in my opinion. But what does make this book special is the colorful and awesome illustrations created by Maurice Sendak in 1984; Sendak passed away in 2012. A minor problem for me was that not every illustration was inserted to flow along with the text on the particular page it is found. However, the illustrations are stunning all the same (classic Sendak) and would make for good conversation when cuddled up with a child. The translation by Ralph Manheim for the original German version is extremely well done. This one is a keeper for the holiday collection.

4.5/5 stars(less)

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Jan 14, 2013 Courtney rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorites, friendship, made-into-a-movie, magic, picture-books, victorian, translations-non-manga

Only nominally a picture book - more text than pictures. Like Swan Lake by Ludmila Jirincova, this is another very hard to find book from 1969/70. Also in the Curtain-Raiser Ballet 'series'.

Berkova has a very different art style from Jirincova - still lots of soft, light colours (watercolours?) but this time, there are hard lines and outlines as well, probably ink. More cartoon-ish?

Better summary tomorrow, after a re-read.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

...two weeks later. -_-;

Um.. I still really like this one...more Only nominally a picture book - more text than pictures. Like Swan Lake by Ludmila Jirincova, this is another very hard to find book from 1969/70. Also in the Curtain-Raiser Ballet 'series'.

Berkova has a very different art style from Jirincova - still lots of soft, light colours (watercolours?) but this time, there are hard lines and outlines as well, probably ink. More cartoon-ish?

Better summary tomorrow, after a re-read.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

...two weeks later. -_-;

Um.. I still really like this one. It's quite text heavy - it took me half an hour to read, and I read quite fast. The text is fairly large, and easy to read. The first page begins with some info about the story and the ballet, and then the real story begins.

It opens with a family celebrating Christmas, and the children opening their presents (despite the fact that the next day there is mention of 'trimming the tree'.. I don't know much about Victorian Christmases. Is this odd?) when their beloved uncle arrives with a surprise for his niece and nephew. Along the two amazing dolls he has created for the two, he brings with him a wooden doll that he calls a nutcracker.

Frederick scorn the nutcracker, and causes it to be damaged by attempting to crack a too-large nut, but Clara quickly comes to adore him. (Personally, I think the author did a good job of portraying her here - we're not really told how old she is, but as I understand children tend to see their dolls not as objects but as people, something which is very much shown in Clara's behaviour towards nutcracker.)

The children are sent off to bed, but Clara cannot sleep due to her worry for nutcracker, and she gets up and goes to the toy-room (?) to check on him, only find herself shrinking and all of the toy room inhabitants coming to life. Clara is amazed by this sight until an army of mice suddenly invades, and the toys join together to battle the mice, one of whom is the ferocious Mouse King.

Clara helps Nutcracker defeat the Mouse King (right before fainting... really?), and he takes her on an adventure to his kingdom.

I like the way the story was written - it really reads as though someone is actually telling you a story. It's easy, even without illustrations, to picture the various scenes in your head. I don't know how close it is to the original story (although I'm guessing it's quite close), but it's got a bit more formal a tone then you find in most books that were published more recently. It's still easy to understand and read though.

It's a really good re-telling of the story, and I think it's quite sad that it didn't become more popular. (less)

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Dec 11, 2012 Artemis rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: from-giveaways

I'm guessing there were only ten books entered in whatever competition claimed this nightmare was one of the 10 best illustrated children's books. Great Christmas present for a kid you don't like.

The book starts with a meandering and poorly written introduction that does little except accomplish that Maurice Sendak wanted to follow the actual Nutcracker story, not the more popular ballet story. However, he was already working on the artwork for a Seattle ballet production of "Nutcracker" (which...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Elizabeth A rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

I read the Eyewitness version illustrated by James Mayhew in preparation for seeing the ballet this week. Having not grown up in the US (or Europe for that matter), this is a story I do not know. Actually I had heard it was a children's story where toys came alive, but no-one said anything about mice! I used to think that the iconic image of the nutcracker was a toy soldier. In my defense, I did mention that I grew up on the equator right? Having no childhood memories to fall back on, I found th...more

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Dec 03, 2011 GoldGato rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children, christmas, illustration, winter, miniature

There are many versions of Hoffman's classic Christmas story, but I enjoyed this one immensely due to the dreamlike drawings of Scott Gustafson. It's like being in a little shop off a crooked alleyway, where a clockmaker's sign hangs over the entrance. Old world mixed with enchantment.

Looking at armed mice dressed as 17th century musketeers or gingerbread cookies come to life was a true delight. The colors are vibrant and if you happen to be playing Tchaikovsky in the background, the better. Thi...more

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Nov 15, 2009 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: art, christmas

Would I have purchased this book in 1984 if it had not been illustrated by Maurice Sendak? - no. But I had taken all three children, the 7 year old, the almost-3 year old and the 3 month old on a train ride to Seattle December 1983, where I took my oldest daughter and four of her little cousins to the ballet The Nutcracker, stage design by Maurice Sendak. I fell in love with the ballet and the absolute beauty of Maurice Sendak's magical make-believe world of illustration. The book was a must-hav...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Kaidec rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have seen and read a lot of Nutcracker books. Nutcracker by E.T.A Hoffmann is just beautifully done. I was so happy to get this book. My almost 23yr old daughter LOVES the Nutcracker, this book will be read many times. My daughter has a 3yr old daughter and a 2yr old son. We will take turns reading it to the kids. I recommend anyone with kids to buy this book. Really this is a book for anyone. It is just a wonderful story and I think everyone should read this story at least once. Buy the book,...more

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Nov 10, 2009 Julianne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

Sometime in the midst of college, I realized that The Nutcracker would make a fantastic subject for a term paper. The original 1816 short story by E.T.A. Hoffman is dark, weird, and sensitive and seems even darker, weirder, and more sensitive than it already is when compared to the ballet version (adapted in Russia in 1892 from a French translation of Hoffman). But I never took a "History of Ballet" or "German Romantics" class and so never realized my term paper ambition...maybe the next time I...more

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Dec 13, 2012 Christina (Confessions of a Book Addict) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

Everyone is familiar with the classic tale of The Nutcracker, which is a perfect holiday read. What is special about this edition of The Nutcracker are Sendak's illustrations. Readers might remember Sendack as the author and illustrator of Where the Wild Things Are. Although The Nutcracker is a familiar story for some, Sendak's illustrations really enhance this classic tale and make it such an enjoyable read for children and children at heart.

I personally LOVE The Nutcracker and have gone to see...more Everyone is familiar with the classic tale of The Nutcracker, which is a perfect holiday read. What is special about this edition of The Nutcracker are Sendak's illustrations. Readers might remember Sendack as the author and illustrator of Where the Wild Things Are. Although The Nutcracker is a familiar story for some, Sendak's illustrations really enhance this classic tale and make it such an enjoyable read for children and children at heart.

I personally LOVE The Nutcracker and have gone to see Pennsylvania Ballet's The Nutcracker many times. There's something about this story that is beautiful and really instills a sense of childhood wonder and imagination in the reader, which is perhaps why it is still popular although written long ago.

The Nutcracker be a perfect book for a parent to read aloud to their child, especially during the holiday season. Keep in mind, this isn't a picture book; it is actually quite long as it is 120 pages. Also, the vocabulary can be tough for a young reader since it was written in the 1800's, but as a read aloud, it would be ideal and lend itself to many discussions between parent and child. I know I can't wait to share this story with my own son, especially since it has been illustrated by Sendak.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the story of The Nutcracker is a bit different than Balanchine's ballet, which I have seen many times. There are some extra side plots and stories, such as Princess Pirlipa, which really add to this memorable childhood tale. Also, Godfather Drosselmeier is a lot scarier than I remembered!

The Nutcracker will keep young readers on their toes. Between Toyland, the toys that come to life, and the Rat King, children will be completely enthralled. I imagine that sharing this story with your child before taking them to see The Nutcracker ballet would be so special, especially when they see the characters and the story come to life.

If you are looking for a beautiful classic tale this holiday season with stunning illustrations, pick up a copy of E.T.A Hoffmann's The Nutcracker with illustrations by Maurice Sendak. (less)

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Jan 30, 2013 Ryan G rated it 4 of 5 stars

Believe it or not, I have never read Nutcracker before, I've never seen the ballet, nor have I ever seen the various TV productions that have come out over the years. Despite all of that, I still had a vague idea of what it was all about. I knew it was about a young girl who loved her Nutcracker and how that Nutcracker battled the evil Mouse King.

What I didn't know, was all the stuff that happened in between. I didn't know that there was this rather creepy godfather who was a genius clockmaker...more

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Jan 17, 2011 James rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: children-s-literature, fantasy

Having been raised on Tchaikovsky's ballet, I was thrilled to find the volume containing not only Hoffman's original tale, but Alexandre Dumas's retelling as well.

The story consists of five narrative movements: the introduction, the legend regarding the birth of the Princess Pirlipat (Pirlipata, or even in one instance Pirlapatetta in Dumas's version), the dynamics betwixt the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the journey through Toyland, and the conclusion which culminates in Marie's (Or Dumas's M...more

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Nov 22, 2008 Dena rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kids-books

Have the Chick-fil-A version I'm giving away for Thanksgiving to the kids!

Definitely a Slusser book. It's a "read to" sort of book at this stage. I liked it but as I always thought - it's a bit creepy... A bit like most fairy tales of that era. I don't think I ever knew the story behind the ballet so this was an interesting afternoon read.

I think Emma and Hope will be able to handle it in small doses and Carrie will enjoy the references in the columns to German traditions.

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Dec 26, 2010 Jen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: childhood-and-preteen-favorites

My grandmother took me to see the Pacific Northwest Ballet version of The Nutcracker, with set design by Maurice Sendak, when I was around 8 years old. It was the most magical thing I had ever seen.

I returned the favor by taking her last Christmas, more than 20 years after my first viewing. It was still just as, if not more, magical than I remembered. And reading this book brought all those memories back.

Truly worth it for the illustrations.

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Nov 27, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a beautiful book. It is definitely not a version for small children (mine are 2 and 4). I didn't realize that it was the full story. As someone who has always loved the story, I can't wait for my boys to be a little older to appreciate the story. It will truly become a christmas tradition at our house!
The illustrations are gorgeous. I love that maurice sendak did them, and some of the "wild things" made their appearance.

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Mar 27, 2013 Julie Unruh added it

I have went to the ballet and read another Nutcracker, I could actually understand this one. They had cut so much out of the ballet, I had no idea what was going on, I just chalked it up to E.T.A. had went off his rocker. But, this made sense, this story. And, the girl, Marie, went to Candy Land, well technically it's called Candytown and married the prince of that land. Very enjoyable book.

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Dec 04, 2012 Jaime rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

I was very blessed to win this wonderful book from Goodreads Give-away! It was the wonderful and original story written by E.T.A. Hoffmann with breath taking illustrations by Maurice Sendak. This was honestly the first time I read the full story in it's entirety and what a wonderful fairy tale for any person who loves fairy tale stories! Magical and also makes a great Christmas read! I will be buying some of these as gifts for sure. Make sure to pick up your copy today! Thanks again for choosing...more

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Jan 08, 2010 Hester rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christmas, europe, fairy-tale, classic, germany

My 'grandmother' gave this to me years ago, and I have treasured it ever since. It is a story with teeth--lots of them, belonging to a rat king with many, many heads. It is dark and well-suited for adults, since it gives them something that is traditional, but not treacly, for the holidays. The illustrations are incredible, and the whole situations gives a sense of a world gone by.

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Dec 27, 2010 Melinda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've not ever really read the Nutcracker. I remember seeing the ballet when I was a kid but that was it. I loved this story. It also kept my 9 year old boy's attention. It was a little long and we had to break the reading in two nights. But that was not a hinderance at all. I'd highly recommend this book if you are looking for a classic holiday story to read.

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About E.T.A. Hoffmann

Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann, better known by his pen name E.T.A. Hoffmann (Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann), was a German Romantic author of fantasy and horror, a jurist, composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist. He is the subject and hero of Jacques Offenbach's famous but fictional opera The Tales of Hoffmann, and the author of the novelette The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, on which...more

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title link	preview: The Nutcracker
avg rating	preview: The Nutcracker Goodreads rating: 4.12 (3262 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/774449.The_Nutcracker?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1178235213l/774449.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/774449.The_Nutcracker?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann[/url]

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