Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Some of our most well-known tales were originated by the pen of Hans Christian Andersen. A prolific writer, Andersen’s oeuvre includes plays, novels, and poems but he is most well-regarded for his fairy tales. Stories such as “The Princess and the Pea”,” “The Ugly Duckling,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes” are incredibly well-known and all from the mind of this illustrious fairy tale author.
This lovely edition features color and black and white illustrations by Danish artist Kay Nielsen as well as all new foreword by Joan D. Vinge. There is an otherworldly quality in Nielsen’s art-deco styled pieces that provide adventurous and vibrant versions of these sixteen stories. The art still feels completely fresh and unique in this collection of masterworks featuring including “The Nightingale,” “The Red Shoes,” “The Snow Queen,” and others.
These enchanting stories are wonderful for children, and collectors of fine art alike. Experience these classics again, and pick up this beautiful edition of Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Zwerger, who has illustrated several Andersen tales as individual picture books, here presents an oversized storybook collection of eight, ranging from the readily familiar (``The Emperor's New Clothes''; ``The Princess and the Pea'') to others that will be new to many readers (``The Rose Tree Regiment''; ``The Jumpers''). She provides a few full-page pictures, at most, for each--just enough to sketch a character, suggest a scene and offer a jumping-off point for the reader's vision. Her lines are characteristically dainty, her palette strong and true--a combination reminiscent of the color plates that frequently embellished texts of yore. Noted translator Bell's retellings are literal and literary, with a leisurely, somewhat old-fashioned feeling created by long, lyrical sentences and descriptions and frequent exclamations and addresses to the reader; they are a fitting match for Zwerger's elegant style. The opening selection, ``The Sandman,'' is, unfortunately, the longest, most rambling and diffuse, and the most clearly European; but after this somewhat difficult beginning, the collection opens a rich world to the reader willing to invest time and imagination in these classic renditions. Ages 4-up.
