Book details
The Stories of Hans Christian Andersen: A New Translation from the Danish
Published in
1812
on Goodreads (12,738)
Description
Hans Christian Andersen's tales have always seized the imagination with their blend of simplicity, eccentricity, and charm, but until now readers have had to content themselves with inaccurate retellings and inadequate translations. Now Diana Crone Frank and Jeffrey Frank offer a much-needed modern translation which returns faithfully to the original Danish. In this collection are twenty-two tales that best represent Andersen's literary legacy. Here are the classics: 'The Little Mermaid', 'The Ugly Duckling', 'Thumbelisa', and 'The Princess and the Pea' among them, as well as largely unfamiliar stories like 'By the Outermost Sea'. In their introduction, the Franks explore the writer and his times, placing the enigmatic and often bizarre figure of Andersen among his literary contemporaries, such as Charles Dickens and Soren Kierkegaard. Illustrated with the delicate and beautiful black and white drawings that accompanied the original Danish publication, The Stories of Hans Christian Andersen is sure to delight readers of all ages.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
304 pages
Why to read
- Timeless Fairy Tales: Hans Christian Andersen's stories are classic fairy tales that have stood the test of time. Reading them offers a chance to connect with timeless narratives that continue to enchant readers of all ages with their beauty, whimsy, and moral lessons.
- Cultural Significance: Andersen's fairy tales are an integral part of Danish culture and have had a significant impact on Western literature and storytelling. Reading these stories provides insight into the cultural and historical contexts from which they emerged.
- Moral and Philosophical Depth: Andersen's stories often contain deeper moral and philosophical themes beneath their simple surfaces. They encourage readers to reflect on important life lessons about human nature, society, and the challenges of existence.
- New Translation: This particular edition offers a new translation from the original Danish, which may provide a fresh perspective and a more accurate representation of Andersen's language, style, and intent. It's an opportunity to experience the stories as they were meant to be read.