Book Description
Danish poet and novelist Hans Christian Andersen is best known for the dozens of fairy tales he wrote.
Language Notes
Text: English, Danish (translation)
Back Cover
Danish poet and novelist Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) is best known for the tragic and gruesome fairy tales he wrote, including "The Emperor's New Clothes," "The Little Match-Seller," "The Little Mermaid," "The Princess and the Pea," "The Shepherdess and the Chimney-Sweep," "The Snow Queen," "The Staunch Tin Soldier," "The Ugly Duckling," "The Wild Swans," and "Thumbelina." In this genre, his sense of fantasy, descriptive power, and acute sensitivity found the medium of expression that was to immortalize his genius.
Autobiography was an obsession for Andersen. At age 25, he embarked on a trip, and left instructions for the publication of his first autobiographical sketch should he fail to return alive. In 1855, at age 50, he wrote his first official autobiography; in 1863, he continued his life story.
By turns vain and humble, bitter and celebratory, this self-portrait gives ample evidence of his extraordinary gifts as a storyteller, as he depicts the poverty of his provincial childhood; his wide travels, from Portugal to Turkey; his friendships and lively encounters with Kierkegaard, Dickens, Hugo, the Brothers Grimm, Balzac, and Liszt; and the international celebrity of his later years. His autobiography also provides insights into the sources of many of his most famous tales. This highly readable and revealing account of the inner and public life of a literary genius will appeal to anyone who ever delighted in Andersen's fairy tales.
Fairy Tale of My Life: An Autobiography FROM THE PUBLISHER
Danish poet and novelist Hans Christian Andersen is best known for the dozens of fairy tales he wrote.
FROM THE CRITICS
Internet Book Watch
The Fairy Tale Of My Life is Hans Christian Andersen's autobiography. Andersen (1805-1875) had an undeniable gift for storytelling that led to the creating of a series of classic fairytales that included "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling", and "The Snow Queen. His sense of fantasy, descriptive abilities, and sensitivity to human emotions are also evident in the candor and engaging self-told story of his life from the extreme poverty of a provincial childhood to the international celebrity of his final years. Careful readers will also find valued insights into the sources for many of his most famous and enduringly popular stories. The Fairy Tale Of My Life is a "must" for the legions of Hans Christian Andersen fans!