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The Art and History of Steinbach Nutcrackers: An Inside Look at the World’s Best Nutcrackers
Rich West’s book, The Art and History of Steinbach Nutcrackers, serves not only as an informative dive into the rich history of one of the most celebrated nutcracker makers in the world but also as a beautifully crafted tribute to the artistry and innovation of Christian Steinbach and his successors. This book traces the origins of the Steinbach company from its early days in post-WWII Germany to its status today as a producer of highly sought-after collectibles.
The book begins with Christian Steinbach’s formative years as a penniless refugee fleeing communist East Germany. Through sheer determination and a visionary approach to traditional crafts, Steinbach transformed his fortunes and established what would become a legendary name in the world of fine German craftsmanship.
West’s book is filled with photos and illustrations from various time periods depicting the nutcrackers themselves and offering a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s operations. The Cheesemaker Nutcracker was my favorite. The book includes vintage catalogs, previously unpublished archival materials, and rare prototypes that provide a unique glimpse into the brand’s developmental stages. All the wonderful imagery makes this a great coffee table book as well.
Readers and collectors will appreciate the in-depth exploration of Steinbach’s product evolution from the early designs that transcended typical nutcrackers to the introduction of smoking men, musical night lights, and other innovative creations. Each section details the meticulous craftsmanship and storytelling embedded in the nutcrackers. I loved all the facts scattered throughout. One fascinating one that stood out to me was with the animated musical smokers, “These figures have Swiss musical movements with 18 teeth concealed inside their display tables.”
What sets this book apart is its comprehensive coverage and homage to the art of nutcracker making. It recounts the historical and cultural significance of these items and delves into the fabrication methods that Steinbach championed. The book effectively captures the spirit and enduring legacy of the Steinbach brand, making it an essential addition to the libraries of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Art and History of Steinbach Nutcrackers is a captivating and thoroughly researched work that is as educational as it is enchanting. Its appeal is broad, reaching those who collect nutcrackers and those interested in craftsmanship, history, and German cultural heritage. It is an indispensable resource that rightfully earns its place as the definitive book on Steinbach nutcrackers, promising to delight and inform readers for years to come.
Pages: 134 | ASIN : B0DC91R7VT
Path of Discovery
Does It Look Like Her? is a collection of poems centered around a painting of a middle-aged mother and artist, each evoking a unique perspective and reflection on the accuracy of art. Why was this an important collection for you to share?
Great question! I am a writer and teacher who also loves visual arts. I’m at an exciting point in my writing, too—I’m far from a beginning author, and yet I also have many more exciting ideas and characters I want to explore and share in my poetry, prose, photography, and drawing. I want to share this motivation and excitement with readers.
I also want to encourage fellow writers that it’s both never too late to begin, continue, or finish/share a literary project and also that all writers at all ages and stages of developing as creative artists have something meaningful, unique, and connective to share with readers and fellow authors.
I am intrigued by your writing style in Does It Look Like Her? What inspired you to write each selection from a different point of view?
Thank you! I started as a fiction writer (which I still also write), and I often still see elements of fiction such as character development—as inspiring to my poetry process. Narrative poetry such as in this collection offers a chance to blend two of my artistic loves—storytelling and poetry writing. My protagonist’s voice and that of her young son were some of the first poems I wrote in the collection, and it became very exciting to follow their voices on the page. I also love exploring how various other characters, such as Alix’s supportive coworker friend and her son’s dad, have very different viewpoints about Alix’s art and her personality based on their own experiences in life.
I love tuning into each character’s frustrations and goals; it’s almost like tuning into a new podcast or a different radio station. Each character is a new world, and there’s a wealth of imagery, dialogue, character development, line and stanza breaks, and so much more when exploring more than one POV in poetry. I’m endlessly fascinated and entertained by characters as they show up when I write a series or collection of poems.
What is one thing you hope your readers take away from your work?
I’d love for Alix’s story to offer readers encouragement and enthusiasm for their own writing and/or art making and for teachers or soon-to-be educators to find some of their own story in Alix’s journey as a new educator which, much like being a writer and artist, is an ever-winding life path of discovery, setbacks, challenges, and joys.
Can we look forward to more releases from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, I love a good project, so I’m always working on a few that I look forward to sharing. Two of my latest projects include: writing another narrative poetry collection about a librarian protagonist which is set in the late 1940s/early 1950s during polio epidemics as well as completing a year of drawing doodles every day in a sketchbook in 2024, which has taught me so much about my drawing abilities and also shown me where I need to improve (and which I plan to blog about soon at my website).
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This collection of narrative poetry spans years and POVs—including Alix; her son, Sam; her ex; and her colleague, Meghan—and explores what it means to pursue artistic passion, the personal meanings we overlay onto art and artists in a society not conducive to art-making, ambition at midlife, the indirect route to so-called overnight success, and more.
Includes Questions for Discussion, Reflection, or Journaling as well as Additional Reading Suggestions.
Does It Look Like Her?
Does It Look Like Her?, by Melanie Faith, is a striking poetry collection that dives deep into the world of art, identity, and transformation. Through Alix’s story, a middle-aged mother and artist, the book unpacks her journey to self-discovery amid life’s curveballs, from raising a child alone to trying her hand at painting after a divorce. The poems center around a painting of Alix, viewed through various lenses of loved ones and strangers, challenging her sense of self and offering a reflection on how art can both capture and distort us.
Faith’s writing is intimate and layered, bringing the reader right into Alix’s headspace and the life she’s balancing between motherhood, art, and personal growth. The author creates moments that are so honestly raw, they pull at your heartstrings and make Alix so relatable. Faith’s language is simple yet powerful, with lines that resonate long after reading, like in “Self-Portrait” where Alix’s journey to capture her essence becomes a metaphor for her broader life struggles.
Another thing I liked is the layered perspectives Faith offers. Through different viewpoints, we see how one image can evoke wildly different responses. Each perspective is painted with a sharp, emotional brush that gives a new angle on Alix’s character each time. The varying opinions on the portrait make it clear that art doesn’t just reveal it mirrors what the viewer brings to it. Alix’s uncertainties about the painting are a reminder of the complex relationship between self-perception and public persona.
For anyone who’s ever felt uncertain or started anew, Does It Look Like Her? is a touching read. It’s perfect for lovers of poetry and visual art and anyone navigating a later-in-life passion. Faith’s words resonate and make Alix’s journey a quiet triumph that lingers long after you finish the book.
Pages: 64 | ISBN : 978-1736407707
LITERARY TITAN 