Hans Christian Andersen

Article abstract: Andersen is the most well-known Danish writer. His greatest achievement was as the author of universally beloved fairy tales.

Early Life

Hans Christian Andersen was the first notable Danish writer of proletarian origins. He grew up with little education and in extreme poverty, and his great personal charm and exceptional talent earned him the affection and regard of both the common people and the artistic and social aristocracies of his time. Andersen’s father was a shoemaker but was well read; he took his son to the theater,...

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