Historien handler om en fattig pige, der på en kold nytårsaften forsøger at sælge svovlstikker på gaden. Da ingen køber noget, tænder hun svovlstikkerne for at varme sig og ser visioner af en varm ovn, en stegt gås og en julæg. Til sidst ser hun sin afdøde bedstemor, der tager hende med til himlen. Pigen dør af kulde, men med et smil på ansigtet.
In 'The Red Shoes', Hans Christian Andersen tells the story of Karen, a poor girl who becomes obsessed with a pair of red shoes. Her vanity and disobedience lead her into a series of tragic events, ultimately forcing her to seek redemption. The tale explores themes of temptation, vanity, and the consequences of one's actions.
The story follows a duckling who is ostracized by his family and the other animals in the farmyard because of his ugly appearance. He endures various hardships, including living with wild ducks, geese, and an old woman, before finally discovering his true identity as a swan. The tale explores themes of self-acceptance, inner beauty, and the journey to finding one's place in the world.
In 'The Emperor's New Clothes', Hans Christian Andersen crafts a tale of vanity and deception. The story revolves around an emperor obsessed with his appearance, who is tricked by two swindlers into believing he has been given magical clothes that are invisible to anyone who is unfit for their position. The emperor and his courtiers pretend to see the clothes, fearing they will be deemed foolish if they admit the truth. The illusion is shattered when a child innocently points out that the emperor is wearing nothing. This tale explores themes of pride, honesty, and the power of truth.
In this book, Michael Booth embarks on a journey through Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden to uncover the realities behind the Nordic 'miracle.' He delves into the unique characteristics, successes, and challenges of each country, offering a nuanced and often darker picture of the region. Booth critiques the high taxes, environmental footprints, and social issues of these countries, while also highlighting their achievements and cultural quirks.
In this adaptation of 'The Little Mermaid', Fred Crump Jr. retells the story with vivid illustrations. The tale follows Sea Princess Ondina, who longs for life on land and embarks on a journey to find her prince. This version is updated specifically for children of color, making the classic fairytale more inclusive and diverse.
Hans Christian Andersen was 'a very strange orchid,' says Michael Booth.
He was born in 1806 in Denmark, and today is still famous for so many stories that every child knows, 156 in total.
His own life is almost as odd as the tales he told. A neurotic hypochondriac, he escaped a terrible childhood and travelled to Copenhagen to make his name.
Helping to tell the story of his life is Michael Rosen, the author of many books for children including 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'.
Michael Booth is the author of The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia.
And Hans Christian Andersen is the author of The Little Mermaid and The Emperor's New Clothes
The presenter is Matthew Parris, the producer for BBC Audio in Bristol is Miles Warde
Great Lives 
