The Nutcracker

On Christmas Eve, seven-year-old Mary excitedly opens her presents. She unwraps an intriguing little nutcracker figure from her godfather. Alexandre Dumas’s retelling of this festive story is full of wonder and imagination, and inspired Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. This edition features original black-and-white illustrations by French artist Bertall.

One night, as the clock strikes twelve, young Mary’s Nutcracker comes alive to battle a ferocious army of mice. The next day Mary eagerly tells her family what she witnessed, but only godfather Drosselmayer believes her.

Drosselmayer tells Mary the story of a young mechanic who accidentally brought a curse upon the charming Princess Pirlipata. A far-flung quest for the mystical Cracatook Nut ensues, and all of a sudden Mary and her Nutcracker are whisked away to a magical land . . .

Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library, a series of stunning pocket-sized classics. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover.