For the first time ever in English, this book presents a wide range of approaches to Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) and his works, thereby providing a source of inspiration for further studies and a more extensive knowledge of the world-famous author. Scholars from 15 countries contribute to this volume. The main focus of the contributions is on Andersen in his time, Andersen influences, Andersen in terms of cultural history -- including aspects of literary and social history, genre, linguistics, translation and style. This book is a key to the world of Andersen studies and a key to Andersen's world.

On the occasion of Hans Christian Andersen's bicentenary the theme chosen was Hans Christian Andersen between Children's Literature and Adult Literature. At previous conferences focus had been exclusively on Andersen as poet and writer for adults, in which capacity he wrote novels, theatre plays, poems, and travel books, just as his fairy tales and stories were meant for all ages. But faced with the world-wide celebration in 2005 it seemed proper to include the child aspects of his works in the scholarly discussion. In its wide range of themes dealing with both adult and child aspects of Andersen's texts, this volume, consisting of papers read at the Odense Conference in 2005, endeavours to do justice to the whole of Andersen, whose immortal genius has a message for young and old all over the world.