Hans Christian Andersen: His Fairy Tale Life by Hjordis Varmer (Author), Lilian Brogger (Illustrator) Varmer's lively biography was first published in Denmark in 2001. The writing is direct and vivid, telling the life story that Andersen himself called a fairy tale, and for good reason. He lived in poverty as a child, though a fortune-teller predicted that he would become a great man. Despite enduring many physical and emotional trials in order to pursue his art, he finally achieved worldwide acclaim. Brogger illuminates nearly every page of this well-designed, large-format book with artwork that makes great use of paintings, drawings, cut paper, prints, and occasionally photos. According to the publisher's information, Andersen himself created some of the drawings and scissor-cut paper images that the illustrator incorporated into her varied and expressive artwork. Though no source notes are appended, the volume ends with short lists of recommended books, from Andersen's autobiography to recent translations of his stories to biographies written for young people. Informative, handsome, and readable.

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