Hans Andersen's evocative stories blend wit and pathos, his
light but shrewd touch revealing the selfishness and stupidity of
man. In "The Emperor's New Clothes" it takes a child to point
out the Emperor's foolishness and his excess of pride eventually
makes him a laughing stock. His stupidity is therefore punished,
just as the modesty and good nature of "The Ugly Duckling" is
justly rewarded in the end. Andersen's fresh and vivacious tone
illuminates all of the old favourites in this sel...