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Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was born in Odense, the son of a shoemaker. His early life was wretched, but he was adopted by a patron and became a short story writer, novelist and playwright, though he remains best known for his magical fairy tales.

For 150 years his stories have been delighting both adults and children. Packed with a light-hearted whimsy combined with a mature wisdom, they are as entrancing as ever. He published his first story at 17. In all, he wrote more than 150 stories before his death in 1875.

Andersen’s stories began to be translated into English as early as 1846. Since then, numerous editions, and more recently Hollywood songs and a Disney cartoon, have helped to ensure the continuing popularity of the stories in the English-speaking world.

Among his most well known stories are The Snow Queen, The Little Mermaid, The Emperor’s New Clothes, and The Ugly Duckling.

Fairy Tales and Short Stories

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