Customer Reviews

The Nutcracker

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am something of a collector of Hoffmann's Nutcracker stories, especially the illustrated children's picture books. I have two criteria. One: The full Hoffmann text must be used in the text--no abridgements! Two: The illustrations must be fantastic--in every sense of the word.

The three very best, in no particular order:
1. Maurice Sendak's version. Sendak designed the costumes and sets for the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker Suite. The designs were also used for Nutcracker:The Movie (which, sadly, is not available on DVD. hint!). It is filled with endless color sketches that communicate the strange atmosphere of Hoffmann's text--and Tchaikovsky's music.

2. Carter Goodrich's version. Most notably known for his whimsical New Yorker cartoons, Goodrich's soft, yet dream-like images give his imagination free-reign. The world of the Nutcracker has never been so accessible to young and old alike.

3. Of course, Gennady Spirin's version. Jewel-like, yet with an old-world patina, each painting glitters with the magic of Christmas. Every image can (and should) be poured over to examine the breathless detail of Spirin's baroque dollhouse universe.

There are too many uninspired or bowdlerized versions of this tale littering the market. If I may, I'd like to make some suggestions of others who would be worthy to take a "crack" at this Christmastime masterpiece:

Edward Sorel, of "The Saturday Kid" fame.
David Wiesner of "Sector 7".
Peter Malone, who did an excellent job with "The Magic Flute".
Brian Selznick of "The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins".
Peter Sis, who created the haunting "The Three Golden Keys".
and Marc Sutherland, who made the deliriously animistic "MacMurtrey's Wall".

This book belongs in any serious Christmas book collection. The story may be well known, but the illustrations are of extraordinary beauty! Russian born artist Gennady Spirin won several awards for his work on this book. It is like leafing through a book from times gone by. It also makes a great gift for a Christmas enthusiast.

I always wanted to read and have a nutcracker book, by E.t. Hoffmann. and fnnaly i found one. i bought this book last year, and i actually received it during the winter. when i unqrapped it. i could have sworn i saw the nutcrackers eyes glimmer. call me crazy but it happens the same way in the storry. the illstatios are amazing. this book is a must have for anyyoung reader. its a great choice to sit next to a war fire and read this book. so dont think twice. get it from an authorized sellar. and enjoy this beautiful eddition of e.t hoffmanns. and gennady spirins. art. you will love it.