Hans Christian Andersen (2 April 1805 – 4 August 1875) was a Danish author best known for his fairy tales. Though he also wrote plays, novels, and travelogues, his legacy endures through stories like The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Emperor’s New Clothes, which have been translated into over 125 languages and adapted into films, ballets, and stage productions.
Born in Odense, Denmark, Andersen came from a modest background. His father, a literate shoemaker, introduced him to literature, while his mother, an illiterate washerwoman, struggled to support the family after his father’s death. Andersen moved to Copenhagen at 14, initially pursuing a career in theater before shifting to writing. His early literary success came with The Improvisatore (1835), but it was his fairy tales that earned him lasting fame.
Despite international acclaim, Andersen faced criticism in Denmark, where his informal storytelling style was initially dismissed. He found influential patrons, including King Christian IX, and traveled extensively across Europe. His friendships with prominent figures like Charles Dickens shaped his literary career, though his personal life remained solitary, marked by unrequited love and deep emotional struggles.
Andersen passed away in 1875 at the age of 70. His legacy as a pioneer of children’s literature continues to influence generations of writers and storytellers, cementing his status as one of history’s greatest fairy tale authors.