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Ralph Manheim
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E. T. A. Hoffmann
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Nutcracker Hardcover – September 13, 1984

by E.T.A. Hoffmann (Author), Maurice Sendak (Illustrator), Ralph Manheim (Translator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 422 ratings
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"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 designed brilliant sets and costumes for the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Christmas production of Nutcracker and created even more magnificent pictures especially for this book. He joined with the eminent translator Ralph Manheim to produce this illustrated edition of Hoffmann's wonderful tale, destined to become a classic for all ages.

The world of Nutcracker is a world of pleasures. Maurice Sendak's art illuminates the delights of Hoffmann's story in this rich and tantalizing treasure.
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    9 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    120 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    4 - 6
  5. Dimensions
    10.19 x 0.75 x 10.25 inches
  6. Publisher
    Crown Publishers
  7. Publication date
    September 13, 1984
  8. ISBN-10
    051755285X
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0517552858
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"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 designed brilliant sets and costumes for the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Christmas production of Nutcracker and created even more magnificent pictures especially for this book. He joined with the eminent translator Ralph Manheim to produce this illustrated edition of Hoffmann's wonderful tale, destined to become a classic for all ages.

The world of Nutcracker is a world of pleasures. Maurice Sendak's art illuminates the delights of Hoffmann's story in this rich and tantalizing treasure.

About the Author

Maurice Sendak received the 1964 Caldecott Medal for Where the Wild Things Are. In 1970 he received the international Hans Christian Andersen Medal for illustration, and he remains the only American ever awarded this honor. In 1983, Sendak received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award from the American Library Association, given in recognition of his entire body of work. He also received a 1996 National Medal of Arts in recognition of his contribution of arts in America.

Ralph Manheim, translator of Grimm's Fairy Tales and many other works, was a renowned German-language translator.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crown Publishers; First Edition (September 13, 1984)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 120 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 051755285X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0517552858
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 12 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 6
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.38 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.19 x 0.75 x 10.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 422 ratings

About the authors

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Previous page
  1. Ralph Manheim

    Ralph Manheim

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    Ralph Frederick Manheim (April 4, 1907 – September 26, 1992) was an American translator of German and French literature, as well as occasional works from Dutch, Polish and Hungarian. He likened translation to acting, the role being "to impersonate his author".

    Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

    See more on the author's page
  2. E. T. A. Hoffmann

    E. T. A. Hoffmann

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
422 global ratings
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3 Stars
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Good grief, Amazon. Can you ever send a book in good condition?!? I should have known better than to try and buy a nice hardcover from Amazon.Aside from Amazon's blatant disrespect for books, this one is beautiful and wonderful!
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Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Sendak’s unique illustrations of classic tale are first rate.
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024
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Classic story brought to life by Sendak’s (Where The Wild Things Are) creative & imaginative illustrations. This book was in our house growing up. It was worn out from so much enjoyment over the years. When I saw it listed it evoked so many happy memories, I decided I need a copy of my own! It was also offered at a fabulous price! Read it to kids and let them enjoy the pictures.
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Lynn Downward
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book from Maurice Sendak
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2022
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This book is based on the version Maurice Sendak designed for Seattle's Ballet company (there's a wonderful dvd of it to purchase online). I purchased the book when it first came out and read it to my children along. Unfortunately, I lent it to someone who didn't return it so I bought a second copy because it needed to be in our library. Of course, Mr Sendak's version is different from the usual sweet ballet but it's beautifully done and wonderful to read. I have recommended it it others several times.
4 people found this helpful
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Dangerpus
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly translated and illustrated
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2020
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Ralph Mannheim does a masterful job of translating ETA Hoffman's classic into a quirky, charming English prose. Maurice Sendak is the best illustrator for the job, since this is a weird and kind of creepy story (Hoffman mainly wrote old-fashioned horror, but his children's book was his greatest success). Makes just as little sense as the ballet, but the book is full of loads of wonderful details.
7 people found this helpful
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Tara
5.0 out of 5 stars Great quality
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2021
Verified Purchase
Love this book! It reminds me of the PNB nutcracker growing up. I love being able to share this with my child especially since they are now doing the George Balanchine's Nutcracker. We read both books and love them both.
3 people found this helpful
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JAS
5.0 out of 5 stars Gift for grandson
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2018
Verified Purchase
We are taking our 8-year-old grandson to the Nutcracker ballet. This book is a wonderful way for a kid to be introduced to the story. Of course, Maurice Sendak drawings are quite special. Our grandson loves reading and handles books above his 3rd grade level. The book is suitable for most 5th graders.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars This is the most beautiful edition I've ever seen.
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
This book is a keepsake to be enjoyed for many years.
3 people found this helpful
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psatty
4.0 out of 5 stars NOT the ballet story
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2012
Verified Purchase
It's a great story filled with battles and magic. But it's in a very old fashioned language style that will require translation for the kids and does not come trippingly to the tongue. I don't mind this: my husband does. Also, it's the story the ballet is based upon, but great artistic liberties were taken in translating the story for the stage. You can see the roots of the story, but it's drastically different. My little boys were very annoyed that the ballet didn't follow the story and kept whispering to me throughout the ballet about it. While it was a good conversation piece afterwards I think it hurt their enjoyment. Next year before we go see the Nutcracker I will read them one of the many books based on the ballet instead. ;-)
21 people found this helpful
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Elaine J. Marchi
5.0 out of 5 stars Nutcracker coffee table book
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2020
Verified Purchase
Beautifully illustrated and true to ETA Hoffman’s story interpretation. A dark tale, more Germanic in thought. There is a story within a story, but this is not the light hearted ballet.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A handsome book giving the original Hoffman story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 31, 2023
Verified Purchase
Beautiful illustrations and design by Sendak; a book that adults can enjoy. It's not for toddlers as it's the original Hoffman tale and not a reproduction of the ballet for young children. A reading age of 10-11 would be best. This is not a picture book and can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
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Kristin
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible illustrations and story. Worth it!
Reviewed in Canada on May 4, 2017
Verified Purchase
We read this to our 5 year old at each bedtime before going to see he original Russian ballet. It really added to the experience and the illustrations made the book approachable. Language was sometimes beyond him, but we explained and pushed through. It really opened our eyes to chapter books. We all liked the intensity of the rat king in this version versus the candy land version.
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Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Una obra de arte de muy buena calidad
Reviewed in Spain on August 11, 2018
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Este libro es una obra de arte. Como todo lo que toca Maurice Sendak! Lo compré por la historia del cascanueces, pero por que estaba ilustrado por Maurice Sendak, que me apasiona. Y no me haha decepcionado! Una impresión de gran calidad, y las imágenes son preciosas! Una maravilla de arte qur acompaña un clásico como es el Cascanueces.
One person found this helpful
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sumi
5.0 out of 5 stars fantastico
Reviewed in Italy on May 17, 2017
Verified Purchase
Stupendo. Sendak non delude mai, e questo è un esempio perfetto della sua raffinatezza.
Le illustrazioni sono principalmente spot. Le doppie sono meravigliose e piene di magia.
2 people found this helpful
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López
4.0 out of 5 stars Genial
Reviewed in Spain on January 29, 2019
Verified Purchase
No conocía esta obra del autor, creo que aún inédita en español, y es altamente recomendada. Toda su obra es recomendada en realidad, pero este formato de ilustraciones llenas de decoraciones son preciosas.
One person found this helpful
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