Lot #364

Hans Christian Andersen Signed Book - Nye Eventyr [New Fairy Tales]

Description

An Easter present from Hans Christian Andersen: "They enter the Poet King’s castle, where they shall seek you out and find their happiness"

Signed book: Nye Eventyr [New Fairy Tales]. First edition. Copenhagen: C. A. Reitzel, 1847. Paperback, 4.75 x 7, 72 pages. Signed and inscribed inside the front wrapper in ink in Danish (translated): "My very dearest friend William Oehlenschlaeger. Here are my youngest five children: I believe they shall find a home with you. They enter the Poet King’s castle, where they shall seek you out and find their happiness. H. C. Andersen, on Easter morning." Autographic condition: very good, with staining and old repairs to the signed page. Book condition: G/None, with binding repaired, preserving the inscribed upper cover only, remargined and reinforced in places, paper somewhat browned throughout, as common. Housed in a modern half morocco case with flat gilt spine and marbled covers.

The first collection in Andersen’s second series of “New Fairy Tales,” containing the tales “The Old Street Lamp,” “The Neighbouring Families,” “The Darning Needle,” and “Little Tuk,” as well as the famous, bleak tale of “The Shadow.” It was Andersen’s custom to send copies of his fairy tales to his friends’ and relatives’ children. The poet and romantic playwright Adam Gottlob Oehlenschläger (1779–1850), revered by Heine, was the author of the Danish national anthem. Oehlenschläger had met the 17-year-old Andersen in 1822 and supported the struggling young man from the beginning; Andersen’s early writings are informed by a desire to imitate the work of his much-admired mentor.

Provenance: 1) William Oehlenschlaeger; 2) Bent W. Dahlström, Danish publisher (his bookplate on inside of morocco case and lower wrapper); 3) collection of Pierre Bergé. A charming association piece.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts Featuring WWII
• Dates:
  Starts:

  05/19/2026
  Ends:

  06/10/2026

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