Alexandre Dumas' retelling of the Nutcracker story is full of wonder and imagination, and inspired Tchaikovsky's ballet. This edition features original black-and-white illustrations by French artist Bertall. On Christmas Eve, seven-year-old Mary opens her presents and receives a mini nutcracker figure from her godfather. 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. Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library, a series of stunning, pocket-sized classics, bound in cloth with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers.

These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover.