The Nutcracker Treasury

The Nutcracker Treasury is a collection of four major versions of the Nutcracker tale, including the original story by E.T.A. Hoffman, the retelling by Alexandre Dumas, the adaptation for stage by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and the "translation, mutilation, and termination" by O. Eliphaz Keat. It is professionally typeset with a beautiful cover and is a classic Christmas tale reimagined for modern readers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2022
Publisher: Graphic Arts Books

The Nutcracker Treasury is a captivating collection that delves into the rich tapestry of the beloved Christmas toy, known as the Nutcracker. This treasure trove of four major versions of the iconic work, penned by the visionary E.T.A. Hoffman, takes readers on a journey from its origins to its retelling, adaptation, and translation.

In the original tale, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" (1816), Hoffman weaves a magical story of a young girl named Clara who receives a magical nutcracker as a gift from her godfather. As Clara explores the wondrous realm of the nutcracker, she encounters the Mouse King, a fearsome creature who threatens to destroy the toy and the kingdom it inhabits. With the help of her loyal friends, Clara embarks on a perilous quest to defeat the Mouse King and restore harmony to the land.

The retelling, "The History of a Nutcracker" (1847) by Alexandre Dumas, takes a slightly different approach to the story. This version introduces a new character, Drosselmeyer, a mysterious toymaker who is obsessed with creating the perfect nutcracker. Drosselmeyer's obsession leads him to encounter various challenges and obstacles, including the Mouse King, who once again poses a threat to the toy kingdom. Through his ingenuity and determination, Drosselmeyer ultimately triumphs over the Mouse King and brings peace to the land.

The adaptation for stage, "The Magic Nutcracker" (1925), brings the magical tale to life on the theatrical stage. This version features stunning sets, elaborate costumes, and a captivating score that transports audiences into a world of wonder. The story follows Clara as she embarks on a journey through the Land of Sweets, where she encounters a variety of enchanting characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Dewdrop Fairy, and the Nutcracker Prince. Together, they battle the evil Mouse King and his army of mice, ultimately defeating them and restoring peace to the kingdom.

Finally, "Princess Pirlipatine and the Nutcracker" (1919) by O. Eliphaz Keat presents a unique take on the story. This version features a young princess named Pirlipatine who is captivated by the nutcracker and its magical powers. Pirlipatine embarks on a journey with the nutcracker to the Land of Sweets, where they encounter the Mouse King and his army of mice. Through her bravery and determination, Pirlipatine ultimately defeats the Mouse King and brings peace to the kingdom.

The Nutcracker Treasury is a testament to the enduring power of this beloved Christmas tale. Through its various versions, it has captured the hearts of generations and continues to inspire and enchant readers of all ages. Whether you are a fan of the original story, the retelling, the adaptation, or the translation, this exclusive edition of The Nutcracker Treasury is a must-have for anyone who loves the magic and wonder of the holiday season.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 128 x 202 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513201191