While many of us are hustling and bustling more than ever with Christmas quickly approaching. I will say that most of us are lucky to listen to a holiday movie in the background while we get our baking or wrapping done. However, if you can take a few moments for yourself and slow down, it can be majorly helpful. And I usually try to pick up a book when I am trying to relax. This week’s Holiday Book Bite is an excellent choice for any age- today we are chatting about The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman.
The Nutcracker, E.T.A. Hoffman
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 has created even more magnificent pictures especially for this book. He has 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.
Why You Should Read This…
I have to say, I am specifically recommending this edition of The Nutcracker, as it is beautiful. (The ISBN is 9781398817258- Acturus has done an incredible job.) However, this is one of my favourite holiday books.
While most of us are familiar with The Nutcracker ballet, the ballet is based off of Hoffman’s story that dates back to 1816. This novel is quite different from the ballet; while the core elements remain the same, there are more layers to this than you have seen on stage. (You will not feel like you are just “reading the ballet”.
It certainly has that holiday magic that takes me back to childhood memories when I read it as an adult, rather like rereading The Chronicles of Narnia. And if you have any little ones in your life, it can be a great book to read with them. It does have some slightly darker moments, so it may not be great for really young children but it would make an excellent read along for your elementary school aged kids.
We are never too old to have a bit of holiday magic!
Is The Nutcracker by ETA Hoffman on your to-read list?
Cheers,
The Historian
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