Andersen, Hans Christian, the son of poor parents, was born in 1805 at Odense in Funen; he early showed a strong inclination for the stage, and at fourteen went to Copenhagen, where he obtained an engagement at the theater royal. His voice soon broke down, but through the kindness of Conference Councillor Colin he was admitted to the grammar school at Slagelse. His first prose work, a book of travels, was published in 1828, and was followed by others, as well as novels and poems. He is best known for his fairy tales, which are full of charm. Died, 1875.

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