Customer Reviews

The Amazing Paper Cuttings of Hans Christian Andersen

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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.

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.

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.

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. I can only imagine the wonder described at sitting in a circle around Mr. Anderson as he told a wonderful story, snipping paper as he spoke. Only to unfold a magical cutting filled with characters in the story, just as he finished the telling. Eyes must have grown wide with delight.

The design of the book is very appealing. It feels like a precious work of art in it's own right.

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 rather dull. The designs are not at all attractive and I found it extremely disappointing. If you're looking for beautiful papercuttings, there are far better ones available. Maybe you have to be a Hans Christian Andersen fan to appreciate this book. I was more interested in the cuttings themselves.

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!