Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish storyteller whose fairy tales are known all over the world, was also a gifted artist. He made hundreds, perhaps thousands, of paper cuttings of swans, clowns, toy theaters, windmills, angels, and other whimsical images. Often he made the paper cuttings while telling a story, then gave them to the children listening to him. In this inspired biography, Beth Wagner Brust tells the story of Andersen as an artist who used his many talents to escape the poverty into which he was born and who entertained others with not only his famous stories but also his innovative and original art.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The whimsical, often astonishingly complex paper cuttings executed by Hans Christian Andersen serve as the subject as well as the principal illustrations of this attractively designed book. Striking cutouts, typically from white or light-colored paper, are set off by dramatic black backgrounds. A succinct text outlines the major events in Andersen's life, from his childhood in a slum of Odense to his later career as a celebrated writer. As Brust emphasizes, Andersen's paper cuttings were an integral part of his storytelling performances: he cut while he spoke, unfolding a finished piece at the end of his tale. A final chapter describes some of Andersen's paper-cutting techniques and discusses the history of that art form. An intriguing glimpse of the famous author's lesser-known talent. Ages 7-9.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 5 Up-As a storyteller, Andersen relied on simple language and dramatic gestures to tap the imagination of his listeners. Sometimes, it seems, he also supplemented his tellings with the making of paper cuttings, a popular craft in the mid-19th century. Brust provides a skeleton biography of Andersen using anecdotal reports of some of the occasions when he employed his handicraft to entertain children, capture a scene during his travels, and even as a sort of universal language when in a foreign country. The more than 20 reproductions demonstrate his imaginative use of materials. While none illustrate any of his stories, many cuttings demonstrate his skill in liberating intricate shapes and in designing complex, interlocking compositions. Nevertheless, the use of "amazing" in the title is a bit of an exaggeration. Rather, the book's value is in showing a little-known facet of the man's personality. The writing is direct and informative and uses quotations from letters and diaries to spice up the simple prose; the chapter on the art of paper cutting is a useful presentation of the technical processes. An unusual book that combines biography and creativity.
Kenneth Marantz, Art Education Department, Ohio State University, Columbus
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Kenneth Marantz, Art Education Department, Ohio State University, Columbus
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Like so many Americans, I had no idea HC Andersen was a paper-cutting genius, until reading the series of articles by Ms. Brust in the LA Times. Not to mention that he cut these "amazing" intricate pieces while telling one of his stories to a roomful of listeners at the same time.
The book's a treasure in that I feel like I've discovered gold within. Not simply a children's book, it's so well written and full of surprises, I think it will appeal to readers of all ages, from the casually curious child or adult to the Andersen enthusiast like me.
The book's a treasure in that I feel like I've discovered gold within. Not simply a children's book, it's so well written and full of surprises, I think it will appeal to readers of all ages, from the casually curious child or adult to the Andersen enthusiast like me.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Picfactory
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm a paper artist who also happens to be a Hans Christian Andersen fan. I bought the book for myself, although it would be a terrific selection for a child who likes to use scissors and glue or who might be interested in the person behind some of their favorite fairy tales. It's hard to find many printed examples outside of Denmark of Hans Christian Andersen's cut paper work. Beth Wagner Brust is a paper cutter herself and brings this enthusiasm to her book. She has performed a great service for Andersen fans and paper cutters of all ages.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Myndy
Format:Paperback
As a storyteller I love to tell stories by Hans Christian Anderson and was thrilled to find out he was an accomplished cutter of paper. While his paper cuttings are much more intricate than the ones I do when I tell stories, the author helped me to understand that his ability to tell stories while cutting paper is a good way to keep the attention of small children. I found that "Grandma's Magic Scissors" by Linda S. Day was a good book to learn basic paper cutting skills and hope that someday I can learn to cut the intricate designs that this master storyteller cut, although I think I will carry my scissors in a bag and not my boot.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Lesser-Known & Fascinating Aspect of HCA's Art
I am so glad I found this book. It is a well-researched artifact, and the photographs of HCA's paper cuttings are masterful. Read more
Published 1 month ago by katrina anderson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful is all I can say.
as in 'full of Wonder'.
I bought this for a Christmas present and the recipient has enjoyed it very much.
I bought this for a Christmas present and the recipient has enjoyed it very much.
Published 4 months ago by Alan D. Foss
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely book
Inspiring book for anyone who enjoys paper-cutting. Filled with information and pictures, too. Hans Christian Andersen fans will love this book.
Published 12 months ago by Quilt Lady
1.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing - I don't think so.
Sorry to be the fly in the ointment here, but I just don't see what everyone else is seeing. Yes a few of the papercuttings are intricate, but most of them are crudely cut and... Read more
Published on June 15, 2009 by S. H. Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Truly Beautiful Book
I love this book. The cuttings have a crude charm that most of the popular current pieces don't. The text is as interesting as the many cuttings pictured are, which surprised me. Read more
Published on May 26, 2009 by Shelley Noble
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
Not only is the author great (I know her!) but this book explores an interesting topic. Those paper cuttings are unreal! I mean they are real, but they are so amazing!
Published on May 23, 2000
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