Hans Andersen's Stories - Illustrated by Jennie Harbour

Originally published in 1922, Hans Andersen Stories, is illustrated with the magnificent colour and black and white illustrations of Jennie Harbour. This collection contains some of Andersen’s best stories, including such well-known and loved tales as ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’, ‘The Steadfast Tin Soldier’, ‘The Ugly Duckling’, ‘The Snow Queen’ and ‘The Princess and the Pea’.

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a Danish poet and author celebrated for his children’s stories, but perhaps best known for his fables and fairy tales – meant for both adults and children. They were frequently written in a colloquial style, using idioms and spoken language in a manner previously unseen in Danish literature. Though simple at first glance, Hans Andersen stories often convey sophisticated moral teachings, in equal measure heart-breaking and heart-warming.

Jennie Harbour (1893 – 1950) was an immensely talented and popular illustrator. Despite this, very little is known about her life. She managed to capture the public’s imagination with her delicate and ethereal illustrations. They most commonly featured subtle yet bold washes of colour, with few of the thick black outlines so common in other illustrations of the day. Vibrant colours and Art Deco patterns full of energy and emotion characterise Harbour’s work. Presented alongside the text, Harbour’s illustrations further refine and elucidate Andersen’s captivating narratives.