E. T. A. Hoffmann Books

A perennial favorite at Christmastime, this captivating story of a little girl's love for an enchanted nutcracker will delight youngsters (and the young at heart) the year round. Illustrator Thea Kliros captures the mood and charm of E. T. A. Hoffmann's beloved classic in her simplified coloring book version of the original story. Thirty-six ready-to-color line drawings need only a touch of color from crayons, felt-tip pens, or colored pencils to bring a host of memorable characters and enchanting scenes to vivid life.Coloring book enthusiasts can participate directly in the drama and fantasy of an engaging tale that imaginatively describes Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum household, the arrival of eccentric Godpapa Drosselmeier, the presentation of the Nutcracker, the battle between Nutcracker and the seven-headed King of the Mice, adventures in Christmas Wood, and many other scenes.

The book presents the first complete English translation of E. T. A. Hoffmann's significant musical writings, offering a deeper understanding of his artistic vision. These writings enhance the well-known Tales, providing insights into Hoffmann's thoughts on music, creativity, and the interplay between art and life. This collection is essential for those interested in the intersection of literature and music, showcasing Hoffmann's multifaceted contributions to both fields.

E.T.A. Hoffmann was Germany's greatest author of fantastic and supernaturalist fiction, a composer, music critic, draftsman and caricaturist. He was himself the subject of Offenbach's opera The Tales of Hoffmann, and his work inspired Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker (1892) and Delibes's ballet Coppélia (1870). Hoffmann's fiction, exploring the darker side of the human spirit, influenced Poe, Dickens, Baudelaire and Kafka. His highly readable, entertaining and eerie stories are thick with references to ghosts, madness and hypnotic influence. Supernatural and sinister characters appear in the lives of his heroes and heroines, exposing the tragic and grotesque. The Sand-Man and Other Night Pieces is the definitive collection of Hoffmann's stories of the supernatural, including classic translations by J.T. Bealby, A. Ewing and Thomas Carlyle, and adding important, more recent translations by Everett Bleiler and Helen Grant. It is edited and introduced by Jim Rockhill. Contents: 'Introduction' by Jim Rockhill, 'The Sand-Man', 'The Legacy', from The Serapion Brethren: 'A Fragment of the Lives of Three Friends', 'The Mines of Falun', 'The Singers' Contest', 'Eine Spukgeschichte', 'Automatons', 'The Life of a Well-Known Character', 'Albertine's Wooers', 'The Uncanny Guest', 'The Vampire'. 'The Cremona Violin', 'The Golden Pot', 'A New Year's Eve Adventure', 'The Abandoned House'. 'The Fiction and Collections of E.T.A. Hoffmann'.

This edition offers one of the earliest English translations of E.T.A. Hoffmann's beloved children's tale, originally published in 1816. Translated by Mrs. St. Simon, it played a significant role in popularizing the story in the English-speaking world, paving the way for Tchaikovsky's iconic ballet. Featuring the text from the 1853 edition and original woodcut illustrations, it invites families to share a timeless holiday classic that has enchanted generations of children during Christmas.

E. T. A. Hoffmann, originally encouraged to pursue law, shifted his focus to literature and philosophy, influenced by German classicists and thinkers like Immanuel Kant. His notable works include "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," which inspired Tchaikovsky's ballet, and "The Sandman," a pivotal story that influenced both ballet and Freud's essay "The Uncanny." Hoffmann's unique blend of literary and musical talent has solidified his reputation as a master of the uncanny, making his works significant in both literature and psychology.

The collection showcases E. T. A. Hoffmann's remarkable imagination and fascination with the supernatural, positioning him as a pioneer of surrealism and modern horror. Originally published in 1885, these stories reflect his transition from a law career, influenced by his family's background, to a passionate engagement with literature and philosophy. Hoffmann's early exposure to German classicists and thinkers like Immanuel Kant shaped his unique narrative style, making this anthology a significant contribution to literary history.

E. T. A. Hoffmann, originally encouraged to pursue law, shifted his focus to literature and philosophy, influenced by German classicists and thinkers like Kant. His renowned story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" inspired Tchaikovsky's famous ballet, while "The Sandman" influenced both Léo Delibes's ballet "Coppélia" and Freud's essay "The Uncanny." Hoffmann is celebrated as a master of the uncanny in literature, and this republished work reflects the enduring significance of his contributions to both literary and musical realms.

E. T. A. Hoffmann, born in 1776 in East Prussia, shifted from a potential legal career to literature and philosophy, influenced by German classicists and thinkers like Immanuel Kant. His notable works include "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," which inspired Tchaikovsky's famous ballet, and "The Sandman," which influenced both Léo Delibes's ballet "Coppélia" and Sigmund Freud's essay "The Uncanny." Hoffmann is celebrated as a master of the uncanny in literature, and this edition aims to make his classic works accessible to modern readers.

Of all the gifts under the tree on Christmas Eve, only one captures Marie Stahlbaum’s heart: a humble nutcracker. He’s a curious little man, with kind eyes, sweet red cheeks, and a friendly appearance. And as midnight nears, he comes to life, revealing a fairy-tale world of magic and wonder, wicked princesses and fierce battles . . . and an ancient curse that can only be broken with the help of a true friend. With the evil Mouse King looming and her dream world threatened, Marie will have to find the strength to stand up for her nutcracker—no matter what it takes. Natalie Andrewson brings E.T.A. Hoffmann’s surreal and fantastical story to life like never before in this vibrant graphic novel adaptation of a beloved Christmas classic.

Exploring themes of the uncanny and the intersection of reality with the fantastical, this work by E. T. A. Hoffmann showcases his literary prowess, influenced by his philosophical studies. Hoffmann, who shifted from law to literature, is renowned for stories that inspired significant ballets, including "The Nutcracker" and "Coppélia." His unique narrative style and exploration of psychological themes have left a lasting impact, earning him recognition as a master of the uncanny. This edition aims to make his classic works accessible to contemporary readers.