Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen April 2 1805 August 4 1875 was a Danish author Although a prolific writer of plays travelogues novels and poems Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales Andersens popularity is not limited to children his stories express themes that transcend age and nationality Andersens fairy tales of which no fewer than 3381 works have been translated into more than 125 languages have become culturally embedded in the Wests collective consciousness readily accessible to children but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature readers as well His most famous fairy tales include The Emperors New Clothes The Little Mermaid The Nightingale The Snow Queen The Ugly Duckling The Little Match Girl and Thumbelina His stories have inspired ballets plays and animated and liveaction films