The Nutcracker - Hardcover

Hoffmann, E.T.A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0394553845 ISBN 13: 9780394553849

Publisher: Knopf, 1987

Synopsis

After hearing how her toy nutcracker got his ugly face, a little girl helps break the spell and watches him change into a handsome prince.

About this title

Language Notes:

Text: English, German (translation)

From School Library Journal:

Grade 3-7 An elegantly produced book which most libraries will not need. The Nutcracker story is not appealing or co herent enough to interest most children today. It would probably be forgotten altogether if it were not for the ballet whose story is drawn from, but not the same as, Hoffmann's tale. While Ma rie's encounters with the seven-headed mouse king, her love for the Nutcrack er, and Drosselmeier's tale of the un grateful Princess Pirlipat might interest many readers, the trip through Toyland is cloying and boring. The ending, in which Marie (still a little girl) marries Drosselmeier's nephew and goes to live in Toyland is both excessively romantic and unbelievable even within the con ventions of fantasy. Throughout the story hints of the dark nature of Dros selmeier are given but never explained. Libraries with a need for a good transla tion of The Nutcracker will find that this is comparable to Ralph Manheim's version (Crown, 1984), illustrated by Maurice Sendak, and more complete than Anthea Bell's version (Picture Book Studio, 1987), illustrated by Liz beth Zwerger. Goodrich's illustrations are outstanding. His rich earth-toned paintings have a hazy, dreamlike quali ty which enhances the fantasy. Fritz and Marie are angelic and doll-like, while Drosselmeier is truly menacing. The Nutcracker manages to seem both wooden and expressive at the same time. The design and format of the book are also excellent. Unfortunately the story is not worthy of them. Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, N.J.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Knopf
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0394553845
• ISBN 13: 9780394553849
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 9