04 April 2014

Faerie Tales Are Not Just For Children...


“Just living is not enough, one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower”
said the Butterfly.


International Children Books Day is celebrated on the birthday of that most famous storyteller, Hans Christian Andersen.

Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense, Denmark  on 2 April, 1805. His place of birth is unknown but we do know his father was a poor shoemaker and his mother a washerwoman. 
Although a prolific playwriter,travelogue, novelist and poet, he is best remembered for his unique faerie tales.




“Every man's life is a fairy tale, written by God's fingers.” 

(Source HERE)

Hans Christian Andersen wrote 168 faerie tales (see complete list HERE) eventually translated in 125 languages. His first faerie tale entitled The Tallow Candle was written in 1820 and eventually discovered in a Danish archive in 2012.

By 1835 he had written the first two installments of his most notable faerie tales, followed by others in 1837. Amongst works such as A Danish Story Book and Danish Faerie Tales and Legends, novels and even poems, he produced additional faerie tales for children from 1838 through 1845: The Steadfast Tin Soldier and The Wild Swans to name a few.


But it is The Tinderbox, The Princess and the Pea, Thumbelina, The Little Mermaid and The Emperor's New Clothes for which this spinner of faerie tales is best remembered. Hans Christian Anderson continued to write his tales in installments until 1872.

It is interesting also to note that his stories laid the groundwork for such as The Wind in the Willows and Winnie the Pooh! Who knew?!

His work remains unequaled to this day, conveying wonderful ideas for the imagination of young and old and with illustrations often breathtaking!


And now you know!
So what is your favourite? I have too many!

Note: ICBD post delayed due to other commitments but not forgotten!




4 comments:

  1. I do like children's books.
    I still have a lot of mine and still buy them when I find one I like, I pretend that I'm buying for my grandchildren.
    So if I ever get any I will have lots of books to read to them.
    Merle...........

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    1. I never get tired of reading faerie tales Merle and it is the illustrations in children's books that captivate me.
      Smart thinking, kiddies love being read to and I think you'll make a great Gran!
      Blessings,

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  2. Loved this post -- somewhere I have a collection of his fairy tales and now you make me want to find it and read it to my granddaughter (and I)! Of course, seeing Frozen again on Friday makes me want to read The Snow Queen--great link by the way!
    Love, love, love the quote:)
    Blessings, Aimee

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Aimee and I hope you will have the opportunity to read his faerie tales to your granddaughter!

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