Hans Christian Andersen was born in Denmark in 1805. When he was fourteen years old, he moved to Copenhagen with the intention of becoming an actor, but it was his writing that would earn him success. Although he published poetry, plays and travel sketches based on his travels, he is now most remembered for his fairy tales, which have influenced generations of children’s authors. The first two volumes of Fairy Tales Told for Children were published in 1835, and when his fairy tales were translated a decade later he received long-lasting recognition in the field. Judith John (glossary) is a writer and editor specializing in literature and history. She has worked as an editor on major educational projects, including English A: Literature for the Pearson International Baccalaureate series. Judith’s major research interests include Romantic and Gothic literature, and Renaissance drama.

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