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Author
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Comment
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Kerrie
Moderator
(12/3/04 4:13 pm)
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Nussknacker und Mausekönig vs. Histoire d'un casse-noisette
I've been doing research online re: the original versions of the story of The Nutcracker and the Mouseking that the ballet and all of the holiday children's books are based upon. I know they all say "based upon/ inspired by the tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann," but many are actually based upon an adaptation of Hoffmann's tale- one by Alexandre Dumas, pere (I think it's pere and not fils).
Now, since I know very little French (pas de deux and arabesque) and even less German, it's been difficult to find translations of these tales that are what what was written by these two authors and not adapted from them. I have one book from Dover Thrift Editions but don't want to mark up my only copy, and it is no longer in print. I would love to also have the French and German editions to read alongside of the English translations, to see some of the words in their original form, as I'm sure "Sweetmeatburg" is entirely different in German and French.
Questions:
1) Does anyone know where I could find these editions?
Hoffmann: German
Hoffmann: English
Dumas: French
Dumas: English
2) If not, has anyone ever read these other versions, and if so, can you tell me a bit about the variances?
That's all for now. I have more questions, but will start with these.
Forest frosts,
Kerrie
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redtriskell
Registered User
(12/4/04 12:48 am)
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Re: Nussknacker und Mausekönig vs. Histoire d'un casse-noise
I read the Dumas in my high school French class, en francais, because I was in an advanced class. All we did was read famous French works without the benefit of translation. Not that that's relevant to your question... Anyway, before I completely wander off track, I seem to recall the Dumas being a little less...floofy?... than what we're accustomed to. I wish I could be less vague, but it was long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away. BUT I do happen to know that Bantam has a huge selection of foreign work in its original form. If you go to your local bookstore, they can usually order foreign language editions, though it tends to take a little longer than normal to get your book. Also, university bookstores usually can get foreign language editions if they offer a major in the language you want. Where I am, that means you could probably get the original French, but not German. I realize I'm wandering, but I hope something in my meanderings is useful.
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Kerrie
Moderator
(12/14/04 5:20 pm)
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Re: Nussknacker und Mausekönig vs. Histoire d'un casse-noise
Thanks! My husband just got a job at a high school, so maybe they can order it for me. If not, I'll hit up the local colleges once I'm settled in.
When you say "less floofy," do you mean dark or just not as candy-coated- almost literally, it seems, at times- as some of the ballet versions presented today? I know that in the German version there is Comfit Grove and Sweetmeatburgh, but it still seems deep, dark, and philosophical. Not exactly family holiday fare. :)
Thanks again!
Forest frosts,
Kerrie
Edited by: Kerrie at: 12/26/04 8:56 am
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lissbirds
Unregistered User
(12/27/04 9:04 pm)
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Also looking for English version of The Nutcracker
Hi--
I too am looking for a good English translation of Hoffmann's version
of "The Nutcracker." The most promising version I found
is one from Dover Publications--it's parts of "The Best Tales
of Hoffman" and it can be found here: www.amazon.com/exec/obido...9OBX4NI4Y0
I wonder if this version is any good? I have read the Dover Children's
edition, which is "abridged"--I don't know if they mean
"shortened" or "sweetened" by this. ;)
I would also like to find a good translation of Dumas's version--and I have found an out-of-print version by Oxford University Press translated by Douglas Monro and illustrated by Phillidia. It can be found on Alibris, etc. with ISBN 0192713795.
There is also a version entitled "Princess Pirlipatine and
the Nutcracker" found here on Amazon: www.amazon.com/exec/obido...9OBX4NI4Y0
Supposedly this version is "closely adapted" from the
Dumas story but I'm not sure what is meant by that. I'd like to
find the original.
And finally the version with illustrations by Maurice Sendak, which
is supposedly a translation of Hoffmann's story--but I balk at this
idea because it seems aimed at children, so they must have sweetened
it up a bit. Does anyone know? Here is the link if you want to see
what I am talking about: www.amazon.com/exec/obido...9OBX4NI4Y0
Can anyone offer any insight into these different versions? I'd especially like to find the Dumas version in its full version if I can.
--Melissa
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Heidi Anne Heiner
ezOP
(12/27/04 11:15 pm)
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Re: Also looking for English version of The Nutcracker
A German language version of Hoffmann's story is available on Gutenberg.net at www.gutenberg.org/etext/6341 in case anyone hasn't seen it there yet.
Heidi
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redtriskell
Registered User
(12/30/04 1:07 am)
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by floofy, I mean...
I suppose "floofy" isn't a terribly descriptive word. I was really tired that night. Anyway, what I mean is that, as I recall, the French version was less sugary. The story was more shadowy in its feeling. As if the characters were from a film noir piece rather than a cartoon. So, yes, less candy-coated.;)
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Jess
Unregistered User
(12/30/04 8:47 pm)
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a bit OT
I just saw the PNB version of the Nutcracker with sets and costumes by Sendak. He supposedly used much of his work there in his illustrations for the book. I don't see how this reflects the Hoffman version much at all.
My son has a Nutcracker book that is supposed to be based of the Hoffman, but I don't know if it is through Dumas or not. I will check and get back to you.
Jess
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