Tales of Hoffmann (Contes d’Hoffman) (1932) – by E.T.A. Hoffmann, illustrated by Mario Laboccetta. This edition presents the uncanny and imaginative stories of German Romantic master E.T.A. Hoffmann, brought to visual life through Mario Laboccetta’s striking illustrations. First published by George Harrap, London in 1932 (English edition), the volume collects Hoffmann’s most famous tales including “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” “The Sandman,” and “The Golden Pot.” Laboccetta’s artwork perfectly captures Hoffmann’s unique blend of Gothic horror, psychological depth, and fairy-tale wonder, with illustrations that range from the whimsically grotesque to the hauntingly beautiful. The interplay of text and image makes this a particularly compelling interpretation of these literary classics that inspired composers like Tchaikovsky and Offenbach.

This Laboccetta-illustrated edition stands as a visually arresting tribute to Hoffmann’s enduring legacy, showcasing how one visionary artist interpreted another across the span of a century. The volume remains particularly prized by collectors of mid-20th century illustration and enthusiasts of Gothic fantasy art.

About the Illustrator
Mario Laboccetta (1905–1986) was an Italian artist known for his distinctive contributions to book illustration and commercial art. Active during the mid-20th century, Laboccetta developed a style that merged classical precision with modernist flair, often employing dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. His illustrations for Tales of Hoffmann showcase his ability to render both the grotesque and the enchanting, making him an ideal interpreter of Hoffmann’s uncanny worlds. Though less widely known than some contemporaries, Laboccetta’s work remains prized by collectors of illustrated literature.

For Fans of This Edition

• Grimm’s Fairy Tales (1909) illustrated by Arthur Rackham – For another masterful take on dark folklore

Art Gallery: Mario Laboccetta – Tales of Hoffmann 1932