This book is a fascinating two-for-one. On one hand, you have the classic, often heartbreaking fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen—"The Little Mermaid," "The Ugly Duckling," "The Emperor's New Clothes." But the real magic here is in the wrapper. Demetrios Vikelas, a major Greek writer and intellectual, was the first to properly bring these stories to a Greek audience in the late 19th century.

The Story

There isn't a single plot. Instead, the 'story' is the journey of the tales themselves. Vikelas selected, translated, and presented Andersen's work at a specific time in Greece's history. The country was young, defining its culture and looking outward. Through his preface and choices, Vikelas frames these Danish stories not as foreign curiosities, but as universal lessons about truth, suffering, and hope that could speak directly to the Greek experience.

Why You Should Read It

Reading this feels like opening a time capsule. You get Andersen's timeless stories, of course. But you also get to see the care and thought of the translator. Why these stories? Why for these people at this moment? It adds a rich, historical layer that makes the fairy tales feel new again. It’s a quiet celebration of cultural exchange and the power of a good story to cross any border.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love fairy tales but want to see them in a new light, or for anyone curious about how literature moves around the world. It’s more than a storybook; it’s a snapshot of a literary moment. If you enjoy history, translation, or just a good story about stories, this hidden gem is worth seeking out.