The tale of the Nutcracker written by ETA Hoffman 1816 has fascinated and inspired artists, composers, and audiences for almost 200 years. It has retained as freshness because it appeals to the sense of wonder we all share. Mauice Sendak designed brilliant sets and costumes for the Pacific Northwest ballet Christmas production of the Nutcracker and has created even more magnificent pictures for this book. This is the 1984 paperback edition the dust jacket does show shelf wear. It is a preowned book. Please see photos.