The Nutcracker - by Alexandre Dumas (Hardcover)

About the Book

A classic French author's version of this famous tale.

Book Synopsis

On Christmas Eve, seven-year-old Mary opens her presents and receives a mini nutcracker figure from her godfather. Alexandre Dumas' retelling of the Nutcracker story is full of wonder and imagination, and inspired Tchaikovsky's ballet.

One night as the clock strikes twelve, Mary's Nutcracker battles an evil army of mice while she watches on aghast. The next day, none of her family believe what happened, except for godfather Drosselmeyer. He tells her the story of a young mechanic who solved a royal court's mouse problem and unwittingly brought a curse upon the Princess Pirlipata. A far-flung quest for the mystical Cracatook Nut ensues, and all of a sudden Mary and her Nutcracker find themselves getting involved in an interlinked series of adventures.

This edition features original black-and-white illustrations by French artist Bertall. 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.

About the Author

Alexandre Dumas was born in France in 1802, the son of General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas. In early adulthood, he worked as a clerk, met the renowned actor Talma, and began writing short pieces for the theatre. Dumas later turned his hand to novel-writing, and penned The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers. After enduring a short period of bankruptcy, Dumas began to travel extensively, still keeping up a prodigious output of journalism, short fiction and novels. He died in Dieppe in 1870.