Item # 06/7907
This enchanting edition commemorates the bicentenary of the birth of Hans Christian Andersen, author of a host of much-loved fairytale classics. Born in Odense, Denmark, the son of a poor shoemaker, his talent for writing emerged at an early age. In 1833 he received a traveling pension from the king and toured Europe writing poetry, novels and plays. His greatest work, however, was his collection of 'Tales Told for Children', which he began publishing in 1835.
By the time of his death, in 1875, his delightful stories, including 'The Little Mermaid', 'The Emperor's New Clothes' and 'Thumbelina' - sketches from which appear on the lid of this colourful box - had become part of our common heritage.
Andersen himself is portrayed ins