Customer Reviews

Andersen's Fairy Tales (Wordsworth Children's Classics) (Wordsworth Classics)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I believe that the path to a well-rounded child is the truth. Too often we sensationalize and sugar-coat the truth when it comes to our kids. This book is a good example of the way things are. My favorite tale from this book would have to be "The Little Mermaid", and it will be the first tale I read my children when they are born. Mr. Anderson was a firm believer in drama mixed with the hard knocks of real life.Here he has just transformed them into a fantastical story that every child needs to be told. The elements of the story are very powerful, from the loss of innocence to the loss of love,and sometimes we need a good dose of something that isn't wholesome. I recommend this book to everyone, children and adults alike.

This is the first translation of Andersen's tales to capture his true voice -- try it and compare to any other translation and you'll see. I hope Penguin has Tiina Nunnally do all the rest of his stories soon!

It has beeb said that Hans Christian Anderson's tales...though full
of thought and enchantment, can be scary in the extreme. "The Snow
Queen", "The Red Shoes"....so many of these stories have strong
stories and stronger morals -- but are often too scary for children
to read.

Of course, not every story is like this. The enchanting "The Ugly
Duckling", and to a slightly lesser extent, "Thumbelina", (at least
ths has a happy ending!), are two of the tamer tales...and perfect
for children. The majority of Anderson's tales, however, can be
scary for children -- and the fascinating, though too-often scary
illustrations in this book, by justly famed illustrator ARTHUR
SZYK, show why!

Mr. Szyk's hyper-realistic drawings, with large eyes, and emphasis
on bulging stomachs, pursed lips, and scared or evil expressions,
add much to the general atmosphere of these tales. They are
true masterpieces of the illustrator's art -- but, for children,
(and even for sensitive adults), may be just a bit to scary for
comfort. They do, however, fit in with Mr. Anderson's tales very
well. One wonders what would have happened, had these two gentle-
men -- whose lives were separated by almost a hundred years, but
who seemed to have the same sensibilities of great empathy for the
under-privileged, a hatred of evil and unfairness, and great
compassion and hope for humankind, in spite of it all -- had been
able to meet and talk.

Well, in this volume, the reader has the next best thing. The
stories of Hans Christian Anderson, with Illustrations by Arthur
Szyk! Perfect together -- but be warned: these are VERY intense
"fairy-tales", combined with perhaps even stronger illustrations.

A connoiseru's Anderson's Fairy Tales, for sure -- but recommended
(strongly) only for adults, (and children), who are not prone to nightmares, due
to sensitive emotions. Read, and look at, with delight -- but also
with care!

It's difficult to convey cultural humor and wit from one language to another, but Nunnally's is the best translation I've read for Hans Christian Andersen's fairytales.

This is an important classic of children's literature, illustrated with charm by the renowned Arthur Szyk. It's a small volume that feels good in the hand. To encounter Andersen's story telling ability is to be drawn into eloquently told stories, and to sometimes encounter surprising images and turns of thought. The color illustrations seem inspired by Persian miniature paintings, and are charming, lively, humorous, quirky, and stunningly executed. The artist used a variety of tools: First a sketch, then basic shapes in gesso or tempera, then on top of those colors he applies lines and details using pen or a fine brush. The petite and gorgeous color images are rather well produced by the printer.

I had this volume in my youth and read it practically every night. It's a wonderful compendium of Fairy Tales -- one should pair it up with a similar copy of Grimm's Fairy Tales. Some parents would object to "violence", etc., in the content but I will be reading these stories to my own grandson as soon as he is old enough to listen. You can't go wrong on this one.

I purchased this book for my children. This book has a beautiful cover and the illustrations are nice. It really caught my children's attention. Thank you.

The book arrived as described and on time. Good doing business within seller, I definately recommend buying books from this seller.

This collection of fairytales is both lovely AND beautiful thanks to the illustrations throughout, a must have for fairytale collectors.

I realize most wouldn't get this for a younger child but my 7 year old loves this collection of stories. She realizes there are many versions of these same stories and enjoys breaking them down by differences. I am very pleased with this title.