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The Stories of Hans Christian Andersen: A New Translation from the Danish
This new collection — returning faithfully to the original Danish — takes Andersen out of the nursery and places him squarely in the literary pantheon.
While Hans Christian Andersen's tales continue to seize the imagination with their singular blend of simplicity, eccentricity, and charm, readers have had to content themselves with inaccurate retellings and inadequate translations. Now Diana Crone Frank, a Danish novelist and linguist, and Jeffrey Frank, a novelist and editor at The New Yorker, offer a much-needed modern translation, brought out by Andersen's original American publisher.
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 on the Pea" among them, as well as largely unfamiliar stories like "By the Outermost Sea." Illuminating notes clarify references in the stories. And in an extended introductory essay, 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 Søren Kierkegaard, with whom he crossed paths. Illustrated with the delicate and beautiful drawings that accompanied the original Danish publication, The Stories of Hans Christian Andersen is sure to delight readers of all ages.
While Hans Christian Andersen's tales continue to seize the imagination with their singular blend of simplicity, eccentricity, and charm, readers have had to content themselves with inaccurate retellings and inadequate translations. Now Diana Crone Frank, a Danish novelist and linguist, and Jeffrey Frank, a novelist and editor at The New Yorker, offer a much-needed modern translation, brought out by Andersen's original American publisher.
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 on the Pea" among them, as well as largely unfamiliar stories like "By the Outermost Sea." Illuminating notes clarify references in the stories. And in an extended introductory essay, 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 Søren Kierkegaard, with whom he crossed paths. Illustrated with the delicate and beautiful drawings that accompanied the original Danish publication, The Stories of Hans Christian Andersen is sure to delight readers of all ages.
293 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2003
About the author
Hans Christian Andersen
7,722 books3,588 followersHans Christian Andersen (often referred to in Scandinavia as H.C. Andersen) was a Danish author and poet. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales. Andersen's popularity is not limited to children; his stories — called eventyr, or "fairy-tales" — express themes that transcend age and nationality.
Andersen's fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125 languages, have become culturally embedded in the West's collective consciousness, readily accessible to children, but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well. Some of his most famous fairy tales include "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling", "The Nightingale", "The Emperor's New Clothes" and many more. His stories have inspired plays, ballets, and both live-action and animated films.
Andersen's fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125 languages, have become culturally embedded in the West's collective consciousness, readily accessible to children, but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well. Some of his most famous fairy tales include "The Little Mermaid", "The Ugly Duckling", "The Nightingale", "The Emperor's New Clothes" and many more. His stories have inspired plays, ballets, and both live-action and animated films.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 10, 2020
I don't know enough about the different editions of HC Andersen's stories to say if this is the definitive edition, but it sure feels like it to me. Here are all the stories I remember reading as a child (thankfully, growing up, I never read any versions that had been made less depressing for children) and a few I don't think I'd encountered before. The introduction, and the opening note and endnotes that accompany each story are all interesting and never superfluous.
March 22, 2016
Hans Christian Andersen is one of the kings of fairy tales, if not the ultimate king of fairy tales. While he is usually not as gritty as the Brothers Grimm, he also seems to be able to deal with adult themes in such a way that I believe a child should be able to understand it. That is the genius of his stories, in my opinion.
This is my first encounter with his stories in which there's been no watering down and no shying away from what could be seen as adult. Of course, most everyone has seen or heard of his work; a good example would be Disney's adaptation of "The Little Mermaid", which really is but a shell of Andersen's poignant tale. In general, it often seems as if his stories are very susceptible to being changed around, as he doesn't always guarantee a happy ending, of at least not in the conventional way like most people would like. But that is what makes Andersen's work memorable- the simple fact that sometimes there isn't a satisfying ending.
However, I could go back to my example of "The Little Mermaid" and raise another question that seems to be widely applicable to Andersen's stories: although the protagonist doesn't get her happy ending, does she not still sort of get a chance for happiness in another way? Of course, everyone remembers that she willingly sacrifices herself, but does that not lead to her ascension to becoming a spirit? Sure, it's not what we as readers want to see from a character we most likely were rooting for, but as I have said before, Andersen isn't necessarily going to give us the easy ending to every tale. Well, sometimes he does, but even in those cases Andersen's fictional worlds are not the friendliest, magical as they are.
Just some food for thought, as Andersen is delightfully thought-provoking, which is more than welcome in any work for children. I am thoroughly convinced that stories like these would be more than satisfying for any child.
This is my first encounter with his stories in which there's been no watering down and no shying away from what could be seen as adult. Of course, most everyone has seen or heard of his work; a good example would be Disney's adaptation of "The Little Mermaid", which really is but a shell of Andersen's poignant tale. In general, it often seems as if his stories are very susceptible to being changed around, as he doesn't always guarantee a happy ending, of at least not in the conventional way like most people would like. But that is what makes Andersen's work memorable- the simple fact that sometimes there isn't a satisfying ending.
However, I could go back to my example of "The Little Mermaid" and raise another question that seems to be widely applicable to Andersen's stories: although the protagonist doesn't get her happy ending, does she not still sort of get a chance for happiness in another way? Of course, everyone remembers that she willingly sacrifices herself, but does that not lead to her ascension to becoming a spirit? Sure, it's not what we as readers want to see from a character we most likely were rooting for, but as I have said before, Andersen isn't necessarily going to give us the easy ending to every tale. Well, sometimes he does, but even in those cases Andersen's fictional worlds are not the friendliest, magical as they are.
Just some food for thought, as Andersen is delightfully thought-provoking, which is more than welcome in any work for children. I am thoroughly convinced that stories like these would be more than satisfying for any child.
September 3, 2011
A collection of Hans Christian Andersen's tales. Some hold up better than others while some are a bit of a head-scratcher. The translation is okay although some of it reads like a last-minute Danish assignment completed by Alta Vista (ahhhh, high school). But this might not be the translation's fault and has more to do with Andersen's style of writing.
What's great about this edition is the brief but thorough biography at the beginning. According to this, Andersen was vain, frustrated, and disdainful toward much of the upper class while longing for their acceptance -- a complicated fella. Along with the notes for each story, this portrait offers insight into many of his stories and enriches the reading experience.
Not recommended for children's collections, as the biography discusses Andersen's sexual frustrations and touches upon masturbation (he kept track of his...sessions, apparently) but would be more than welcome in an adult collection.
What's great about this edition is the brief but thorough biography at the beginning. According to this, Andersen was vain, frustrated, and disdainful toward much of the upper class while longing for their acceptance -- a complicated fella. Along with the notes for each story, this portrait offers insight into many of his stories and enriches the reading experience.
Not recommended for children's collections, as the biography discusses Andersen's sexual frustrations and touches upon masturbation (he kept track of his...sessions, apparently) but would be more than welcome in an adult collection.
March 14, 2011
Another children's book that is worth reading as an adult. But, get this version, or another accurate translation from the Danish. There are too many eviscerated kiddie adaptations out there that are an insult to the taste and discernment of the kiddies, let alone their elders. You want his sharp humor, vivid imagery, and unforgiving sense of loss as close to the original as possible.
For example, the Ugly Duckling is not a cute story, most of us have been through it, and if you read the original, you will actually feel the truth of it, rather than sighing at the cliche of it.
For example, the Ugly Duckling is not a cute story, most of us have been through it, and if you read the original, you will actually feel the truth of it, rather than sighing at the cliche of it.
December 20, 2018
I got this collection from the library before visiting Copenhagen (though it took me a while to finish it). I wanted the one with the original illustrations, which are really neat, and this compilation is quite beautifully done, with lots of background information. Some of the stories are predictable and okay, but others are quite imaginative and clever. I can't say I've actually watched the whole Disney version of The Little Mermaid, but I know that it doesn't end like this one does... and I much prefer the HCA version! My favorite was probably The Shadow - very dark and interesting.
December 25, 2022
This is an excellent collection of Andersen's works. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is that I just don't love the stories as much as other fairy and folktales. However it is an excellent addition to my collection of such stories.
March 20, 2020
Didn't want it to end. So fun, humorous and inspiring.
April 23, 2023
A bit disappointing. Stories seem to be disjointed or sometimes unfinished. 3 stars just for the idea of the tales.
September 1, 2013
I will fully admit that I have never read any Hans Christian Anderson before. I'm only acquainted with his stories via children's cartoons and storybooks that were read to me as a child. So I've never actually seen any of these "mistranslated" versions and really can't compare. I also obviously do not know Danish, so I can't tell if these new translations are close to the original or not.
All of that being said, I did enjoy this book. I've known for a while that many of his stories (and other classic "fairytales") have been changed throughout the years to shield children or to give a happy ending where there wasn't one.
I found his writing style (or the translation of it) to be very casual, which I liked. The way he writes can appeal to everyone, from children just learning to read to adults. Obviously some of the references I did not understand, so it was nice that before and after each story the authors had notes explaining both the inspiration for the story as well as references within it that may not be apparent to some. I was also fascinated with the mini-biography at the beginning of the book, because I knew nothing about Anderson. I'm amazed at how many of his stories reflected personal things in his life.
Overall a great book. I would not suggest it for children, but I would suggest it to anyone like myself who grew up on some of these tales and are interested in the "real" versions of them.
All of that being said, I did enjoy this book. I've known for a while that many of his stories (and other classic "fairytales") have been changed throughout the years to shield children or to give a happy ending where there wasn't one.
I found his writing style (or the translation of it) to be very casual, which I liked. The way he writes can appeal to everyone, from children just learning to read to adults. Obviously some of the references I did not understand, so it was nice that before and after each story the authors had notes explaining both the inspiration for the story as well as references within it that may not be apparent to some. I was also fascinated with the mini-biography at the beginning of the book, because I knew nothing about Anderson. I'm amazed at how many of his stories reflected personal things in his life.
Overall a great book. I would not suggest it for children, but I would suggest it to anyone like myself who grew up on some of these tales and are interested in the "real" versions of them.
March 8, 2015
Everyone knows the stories of the Little Mermaid and the Ugly Duckling, but I found that I knew very little of Andersen's other stories and nothing at all about the man himself. This volume provided new translations that are true to the original Danish in which Andersen wrote, along with notes on each story explaining certain phrases and usages as they applied in the author's time. To me, this brought the stories to life in the manner intended by Andersen.
Also included is an introduction giving insight into this talented storyteller's personal story and how it impacted his writing. Vain, but at the same time humble, desperate for public acknowledgement of his gift and always craving the attention of royalty and celebrities of the time, Andersen's stories are often taken from his own experiences and perceived slights. More than fairy tales, these are parables of life in 19th century Denmark and Europe, complete with moralistic lessons tacked onto the end.
Some of the stories seemed quite odd to me, but the notes at the end helped me understand why people would be drawn to them and how they reflected the thinking of the time. Altogether a fascinating volume of folk tales that every reader can enjoy.
Also included is an introduction giving insight into this talented storyteller's personal story and how it impacted his writing. Vain, but at the same time humble, desperate for public acknowledgement of his gift and always craving the attention of royalty and celebrities of the time, Andersen's stories are often taken from his own experiences and perceived slights. More than fairy tales, these are parables of life in 19th century Denmark and Europe, complete with moralistic lessons tacked onto the end.
Some of the stories seemed quite odd to me, but the notes at the end helped me understand why people would be drawn to them and how they reflected the thinking of the time. Altogether a fascinating volume of folk tales that every reader can enjoy.
November 12, 2016
I was initially intrigued by the idea of reading one of the most creative of fairy tale inventors but soon lost interest as I read the biographical material at the beginning. Certainly, the author was not a likable fellow, but I found myself increasingly impatient as I continued to read. I place a high value in the character of the author bleeding through his/her creations and I became so disconnected with the author that I couldn't find time anymore to consider his genius, which he was apparently fearful and cloyingly concerned about his entire life. Where was the growth, the humility, the emotional genius that informs intellectual gifts? Absent. I'm not so much concerned that writing always be morally pure but I do need the author to have some credibility, to share some valuable truth. Unique stories, in the end, are not enough to hold my attention, and authors with a unique perspective quickly become uninteresting when they try too hard, especially for something so valueless as fame.
January 14, 2013
The original Anderson fairy tales are ones that should be read partially because they are so prevalent in our society today. There have been so many works within the art and literary worlds created from these basic tales. And Anderson himself borrowed some of the tales when he wrote them, so they are mined from olden days. I think they are as much a part of general culture as they are literature. The beautiful thing is that when we discussed these in a recent group, we wound up understanding that even fairy tales are about us, not so much about moles, and sparrows, and evil magical characters, and faraway lands.
This is a beautiful edition with a touch of antiquity about it. I hope you enjoy if you decide to read.
This is a beautiful edition with a touch of antiquity about it. I hope you enjoy if you decide to read.
January 8, 2009
This is a wonderful collection of Andersen's Fairy Tales. The introduction gives an overview of his life--many things I never knew (and some I didn't want to know). Nevertheless, his stories are magical and fun to read. Having it translated directly from the original makes them even better--if a little more direct than many other translations (they make it nicer and less graphic than the original). Overall, a great collection and worth the read.
June 25, 2008
You can read my review of this collection here: http://www.deborahjbrannon.com/r-ande....
October 23, 2008
Nothing wrong with this edition; just discovered I don't like HCA all that much.
December 26, 2010
Ah. The grim Andersen fairy tales...most were not familiar to me and the ones I did know--or thought I knew--seemed unfamiliar. But well worth the time.
May 10, 2012
Fascinating for the biographical info on Mr Andersen, and the new translations gave several stories quite a different feel. I especially enjoyed the Tinderbox. "you old witch!"
January 31, 2013
I like the more faithful translation, makes HCA more real.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews