Christmas Eve

»It was most beautiful when snow had fallen shortly before and remained with moderate frost and bright weather«. Christmas market in Old Berlin: Little Minchen and her mother, despite their destitute living conditions, are out to buy a few presents for Christmas Eve at a stall. When they finally find what they are looking for, their hard-earned money suddenly disappears and they return to their room, deeply disappointed. Then there is a knock at the door and a large pock-marked man stands on the threshold...

Ludwig Tieck’s enchanting Christmas story – published in the Insel-Bücherei as an illustrated edition for the first time, accompanied by many wonderful pictures created by Gerda Raidt.

»Gerda Raidt’s … illustrations in this edition … are enchanting. They underline the social hardship and give the story an unexpected topicality.« Sebastian Loskant, Weser-Kurier

»It is wonderful how Tieck portrays the clever, empathetic Minchen. Equally beautiful are the serene illustrations by Gerda Raidt, captivating in their simplicity and focus, which pay homage to the colour of the time and refresh this Christmas tale at the same time.« Ruth Rousselange, Eselsohr