The Stories of Hans Christian Andersen: A New Translation from the Danish

On the bicentennial of Hans Christian Andersen's birth, this collection takes Andersen out of the nursery and places him squarely in the literary pantheon. While Andersen's tales continue to seize the imagination with their singular blend of simplicity, eccentricity, and charm, English-language readers have until now had to content themselves with inaccurate retellings and inadequate translations. 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.

In this collection are twenty-two tales that best represent Andersen's literary legacy, including such classics as "The Little Mermaid," "The Ugly Duckling," "Thumbelisa," and "The Emperor's New Clothes," as well as largely unfamiliar stories like "By the Outermost Sea." Illuminating notes clarify references in the tales. And in an 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 S ren Kierkegaard, with whom he crossed paths; and they bring to life Andersen's fascinating relationship with the United States. Illustrated with the delicate and beautiful drawings that accompanied the original Danish publication, The Stories of Hans Christian Andersen will delight readers of all ages.


Author: Hans Christian Andersen
Publisher: Duke University Press
Published: 09/05/2005
Pages: 304
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.03lbs
Size: 8.24h x 6.14w x 0.86d
ISBN: 9780822336938

Review Citation(s):
Ingram Children's Advance 10/01/2005 pg. 75
Univ PR Books for Public Libry 01/01/2006 pg. 1 - Strongly Recommended

About the Author

Diana Crone Frank has a Ph.D. in linguistics and is a producer for ABC News. Jeffrey Frank is a senior editor at the New Yorker and the author of the novels Bad Publicity and The Columnist. They live in Manhattan.