Once upon a time there was a man who knew how to tell stories better than anyone – until the day he knew no more. Even though he spent the whole day looking for stories, he still had no story to tell when he came home in the evening. But another discovery allowed him to meet someone who could perhaps help him! Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a Danish author, poet and artist. Celebrated for children’s literature, his most cherished fairy tales include "The Emperor's New Clothes", "The Little Mermaid", "The Nightingale", "The Steadfast Tin Soldier", "The Snow Queen", "The Ugly Duckling" and "The Little Match Girl". His books have been translated into every living language, and today there is no child or adult that has not met Andersen's whimsical characters. His fairy tales have been adapted to stage and screen countless times, most notably by Disney with the animated films "The Little Mermaid" in 1989 and "Frozen", which is loosely based on "The Snow Queen", in 2013. Thanks to Andersen's contribution to children's literature, his birth date, April 2, is celebrated as International Children's Book Day.

A FINALIST FOR THE 2020 WORLD FANTASY AWARD Unearth the enchanting origins of fantasy fiction with a collection of tales as vast as the tallest tower and as mysterious as the dark depths of the forest. Fantasy stories have always been with us. They illuminate the odd and the uncanny, the wondrous and the fantastic: all the things we know are lurking just out of sight—on the other side of the looking-glass, beyond the music of the impossibly haunting violin, through the twisted trees of the ancient woods. Other worlds, talking animals, fairies, goblins, demons, tricksters, and mystics: these are the elements that populate a rich literary tradition that spans the globe. A work composed both of careful scholarship and fantastic fun, The Big Book of Classic Fantasy is essential reading for anyone who’s never forgotten the stories that first inspired feelings of astonishment and wonder. INCLUDING: *Stories by pillars of the genre like the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, Mary Shelley, Christina Rossetti, L. Frank Baum, Robert E. Howard, and J. R. R. Tolkien *Fantastical offerings from literary giants including Edith Wharton, Leo Tolstoy, Willa Cather, Zora Neale Hurston, Vladimir Nabokov, Hermann Hesse, and W.E.B. Du Bois *Rare treasures from Asian, Eastern European, Scandinavian, and Native American traditions *New translations, including fourteen stories never before in English PLUS: *Beautifully Bizarre Creatures! *Strange New Worlds Just Beyond the Garden Path! *Fairy Folk and Their Dark Mischief! *Seriously Be Careful—Do Not Trust Those Fairies!

This full collection of legendary fairy tales by Christian Andersen includes The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and Thumbelina.

The Wonderful Land of Bed-Time Stories is an anthology that weaves together a rich tapestry of tales from a bevy of illustrious authors, embracing a wide array of literary styles from fairy tales to animal stories, and classic children's literature. With contributions from the minds behind Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Importance of Being Earnest, Treasure Island, and many more, this collection stands as a testament to the diversity and significance of storytelling across generations and cultures. Highlighted within are narratives that have shaped the contours of childhood imagination, each story a gem contributing to the overarching themes of adventure, morality, and the nuances of human (and animal) emotion. The remarkable variety within this compendium ensures the presence of a magical story for every reader. The contributing authors and editors, ranging from Lewis Carroll to Hans Christian Andersen, and including figures like Beatrix Potter and Rudyard Kipling, offer an anthology that spans the breadth of the 19th and early 20th centuries, encapsulating pivotal moments in literature. These writers, many of whom were pioneers in their respective genres, collectively represent a historical and cultural mosaic that enriched the literary landscape of their time. Their backgrounds, from varying corners of the world, provide a multifaceted exploration of societal norms, triumphs, and struggles through the lens of fantastical and heartwarming tales. The Wonderful Land of Bed-Time Stories is an indispensable collection for those who wish to delve into the world of literature that has charmed and educated generations. It offers readers the unique opportunity to traverse the myriad landscapes fashioned by these master storytellers. This anthology is more than a journey through the annals of literary history; it is a voyage that spans the spectrum of human emotion and the complexities of the world through the simplicity of children's stories. Ideal for scholars, educators, and anyone with a keen interest in the evolution of story-telling, this book illuminates the power of literature to transcend time, teaching timeless morals and showcasing the art of narrative in its most enchanting forms.

The Big Book of Fairytales & Fantasy Classics offers readers an unparalleled journey into the labyrinth of the imagination, assembling a remarkable array of tales from the quills of some of history's most influential and pioneering authors. This collection spans a myriad of literary styles, from the grotesque and Gothic to the whimsical and whimsical, showcasing the richness and diversity of fantasy literature. Among its pages, readers will find seminal works that have shaped the genre, bridging the gap between ancient folklore traditions and modern fantasy storytelling. The anthology captures the essence of fantasy as a space for exploring the human condition, morality, and the complexities of the magical and the mundane. The contributors to this volume are a veritable who's who of literary history, each bringing their unique voice and perspective to the genre. From the surreal escapades in Lewis Carroll's wonderlands to the moral allegories in Oscar Wilde's writings, and the dark, cautionary tales of the Brothers Grimm, these authors collectively embody the spirit and evolution of fantasy literature. Their works reflect significant cultural and historical movements, from Romanticism to Victorian morality tales, offering readers a window into the sociopolitical landscapes of their times. This anthology is a treasure trove for aficionados of fantasy and fairy tales, students of literature, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the boundless realms of the imagination. It presents an extraordinary opportunity to explore the depths of fantasy literature through a tapestry of tales that challenge, entertain, and inspire. The Big Book of Fairytales & Fantasy Classics is not just a collection of stories; it is an invitation to wanderlust and wonder, encouraging readers to ponder the limitless potentials of the fantastical world. A rich educational resource and a compelling read, it promises to awaken a sense of awe and an appreciation for the craft of storytelling.

The Greatest Fairytales of All Time' presents an unparalleled collection that weaves through the rich tapestry of fairy tale tradition, encompassing a wide array of literary styles from the whimsical to the profound. This anthology captures the essence of cultural storytelling, showcasing the diversity and significance of its contents by bringing together iconic tales that have stood the test of time. The works within this compilation vary from the fantastical wonderlands of Lewis Carroll to the poignant social critiques of Oscar Wilde, illustrating the broad spectrum of human experience and imagination encapsulated in the fairy tale genre. The inclusion of lesser-known gems alongside universally celebrated stories offers readers a comprehensive insight into the genre's developmental narrative and its ability to convey complex truths through simple tales. The contributing authors and editors, spanning across the 19th and early 20th centuries, are luminaries in their own rights, with each bringing a unique cultural and literary perspective to the anthology. This collection is situated at the confluence of numerous literary movements—from Romanticism to Symbolism— and reflects the societal transition from oral folk traditions to printed literary works. The diversity of backgrounds, from the Brothers Grimm's Germanic folklore to Hans Christian Andersen's Danish tales, underlines the universal appeal and adaptability of fairy tales across different cultures and epochs. Their collective contributions embody the evolution of the fairy tale, enriching the reader's understanding of its enduring legacy and relevance. 'The Greatest Fairytales of All Time' is an indispensable resource for anyone keen on exploring the depths of human imagination and the variety of ways it has been manifested in literature. It serves as a valuable educational tool, offering insights into the historical and cultural contexts of these timeless stories. Moreover, this anthology invites readers into a dialogue spanning centuries, encouraging a deeper appreciation of how these divergent narratives mirror the complexities of human nature and society. This collection promises not just entertainment, but a profound engagement with the world's shared heritage of storytelling.