Nutcracker

A lush, gorgeously illustrated reissue of the holiday classic Nutcracker, brought alive by the wildly imaginative drawings of Maurice Sendak, the premier children's book illustrator of our time.

“A classic, new and complete. One of the ten best illustrated children’s books of the year.”—New York Times Book Review

The tale of Nutcracker, written by E. T. A. Hoffmann in 1816, has fascinated and inspired artists, composers, and audiences for centuries, retaining its freshness by evoking the sense of wonder we all share.

The legendary Maurice Sendak designed brilliant sets and costumes for the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Christmas production of Nutcracker, and brought that same extraordinary vision and creativity to the magnificent pictures displayed here. He joined with the eminent translator Ralph Manheim to produce this beautifully illustrated edition of Hoffmann's wonderful tale, destined to become a classic for all ages.

The world of Nutcracker is one of whimsy and delight. Sendak’s timeless, haunting, and enthralling art illuminates the delights of Hoffmann’s story in this rich and tantalizing treasure.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs