012. Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was the most famous author in Denmark. His stories have attracted many young readers around the world.

Andersen’s father was a shoe-maker. As he was very young, Hans was spoiled by his parents and his grandmother. But when he was 11 years old, his father died and the boy had to leave school. His mother made a living by washing clothes, while Hans spent a great deal of time making theater toys and puppets. He read as many books as he could.

Andersen published his first tale in 1835, and continued writing until he died. Andersen’s words are simple and humor. The stories became popular in the early 1840’s and made Andersen famous more and more. Among the best know of his fairy tales are The Ugly Duckling, The Emperors New Clothes, A Little Match Girl and so on.

 

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) adalah pengarang paling terkenal di Denmark. Karangan-karangannya telah menarik perhatian banyak para pembaca muda diseluruh dunia.

Ayah Andersen adalah seorang pembuat sepatu. Ketika ia masih kecil, Hans dimanja oleh orangtua dan neneknya. Tapi ketika berumur 11 tahun, ayahnya meninggal dan ia harus putus sekolah. Ibunya mencari nafkah dengan mencuci pakaian, sementara Hans banyak membuat mainan dan boneka untuk pertunjukan. Ia membaca buku sebanyak-banyaknya.

Andersen menerbitkan cerita pertamanya pada tahun 1835 dan terus menulis sampai ia meninggal. Kata-kata Andersen sedehana dan jenaka. Cerita –ceritanya menjadi terkenal pada awal tahun 1840 dan membuat Andersen semakin terkenal. Kisah-kisahnya yang terkenal diantaranya Anak Itik Buruk Rupa, Pakaian Baru Kaisar, Gadis Kecil Penjual Korek Api dan masih banyak lagi.