The tale is about a fir tree so anxious to grow up, so anxious for greater things, that he cannot appreciate living in the moment. The tale was first published 21 December 1844 with "The Snow Queen" in Copenhagen, Denmark by C.A. Reitzel. One scholar indicates that "The Fir-Tree" was the first of Andersen's fairy tales to express a deep pessimism.

A beloved Hans Christian Andersen tale, illustrated by one of the greatest children’s illustrators of our time


The story of the little mermaid who fell in love with a human boy is well-known and loved by millions—but in the hands of internationally acclaimed illustrator Lisbeth Zwerger, it feels brand new. This poignant tale of unrequited love and self-sacrifice helped establish Andersen as one of the foremost writers of fairy tales in the world. Zwerger’s signature illustrations add fresh whimsy and charm to Andersen’s creation, and her art harmonizes perfectly with the carefully edited translation.

H. C. Andersens samlede værker.

Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales are like exquisite jewels, drawing from us gasps of recognition and delight.

Andersen created intriguing and unique characters -- a tin soldier with only one leg but a big heart, a beetle nestled deep in a horse's mane but harboring high aspirations. Each one of us at some time, has been touched by one of Andersen's Fairy Tales. Here you'll find his classic tales such as: "The Mermaid, Thumbelina, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, "and "The Ugly Duckling," 38 of your favorite tales in all.

'There sat the dog with eyes as big as mill wheels' Though criticised for their anarchic immorality when first published, Hans Christian Andersen's tales made him an international star, taken to the hearts of children and adults for their beauty, sorrow and strangeness. Included here are 'The Steadfast Tin Soldier' and 'Big Klaus and Little Klaus'. Introducing Little Black Classics: 80 books for Penguin's 80th birthday. Little Black Classics celebrate the huge range and diversity of Penguin Classics, with books from around the world and across many centuries. They take us from a balloon ride over Victorian London to a garden of blossom in Japan, from Tierra del Fuego to 16th century California and the Russian steppe. Here are stories lyrical and savage; poems epic and intimate; essays satirical and inspirational; and ideas that have shaped the lives of millions. Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875). Andersen's Fairy Tales is available in Penguin Classics.

This book contains the complete Andersen's fairy tales and stories hardcopy format.

Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author and poet. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales, a literary genre he so mastered that he himself has become as mythical as the tales he wrote. Andersen's popularity is not limited to children; his stories - called eventyrs, or "fantastic tales" - express themes that transcend age and nationality.

During his lifetime he was acclaimed for having delighted children worldwide and was feted by royalty. Andersen's fairy tales, which have been translated into more than 125 languages, have become culturally embedded in the West's collective consciousness, readily accessible to children, but presenting lessons of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity for mature listeners/readers as well. They have inspired motion pictures, plays, ballets, and animated films.

Der Große Märchenerzähler Hans Christian Andersen hat diese legendäre Geschichte am Meer in Dänemark geschrieben. Die kleine Meerjungfrau taucht furchtlos in den grenzenlosen und gefährlichen Ozean der Liebe. Ihr Herz ist voll von Mut, Hoffnung und unendlicher Sehnsucht. Sie ist bereit, ihr sorgloses Leben einer Meerprinzessin hinter sich zu lassen, für eine neue geheimnisvolle Welt.