I still love my fairy tales, so you'd think I'd have read Hans Christian Anderson before, well I've only read one or two stories previously. Finally had the nerve to read this 800 page monster of a book. Even though these stories are meant for children, compared to modern children stories, they are heavy with material that might be over their heads. Maybe it's a good thing I waited. I also recommend reading this in the winter during Christmas time.

One thing that took me by surprise was the amount of Christian stories HCA wrote. I kind of figured he was religious, but not that religious. I have no issues with the stories, but feel like it needs to be said. It's one of his major themes that seems to have vanished over the years. So if you get sensitive over pro-religious stories, I'd avoid HCA or find an abridge version.

My favorite story was the Little Match Girl. Maybe the saddest Christmas story I've read, but I really liked it. Beautifully written and left my mind to wonder. Reminded very much of a Dickens novel. I'd read it again and again actually. ( )

This is where my lifelong love of fantasy began. I will never forget the pictures these stories created in my head. ( )

Mostly depressing, but so good! :) ( )

note: cover shown is not accurate - correct one not available

This is a great collection of Hans Christian Andersen's tales. Although it is not actually a "complete" set, there are some really great stories. I particularly liked The Little Match Girl, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and many others. They are very different tales, but are still very good, they just don't fit the "normal" Americanized fairy tales.