Niels Oxenvad

Hans Christian Andersen is the most famous Dane, whose personal transformation from a poor ugly duckling into a, well, ugly superstar is little known. Having read Jackie Wullschlager's sympathetic biography, this impressive collection of prints, paintings, letters and photographs illustrate his life and mid-19th century Denmark in a splendid yet concise way. In contrast to Wullschlager's work, this book does not touch upon Andersen's complicated personal relations and friendships.