Andersen, Hans Christian, Danish poet (1805-1875). Nye Eventyr. Andet Bind. Første Samling. With autograph inscription signed.

Copenhagen, C. A. Reitzel, 1847.

8vo. (8), 72 pp. Publisher's original printed front wrapper; lower wrapper and spine replaced. Stored in modern half morocco case with flat gilt spine and marbled covers.

 18,000.00

First edition.

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". With a long and thoughtful autograph inscription in verse to William Oehlenschläger, the son of his friend and benefactor Adam Oehlenschläger, written on the back of the upper wrapper: "Min inderlig kjaere Ven / William Oehlenschlaeger. / Her er’mine Børn, de yngste fem, / Jeg taenke hos Dig de finde et Hjem. / De komme i Digter Kongens Slot, / Dig søge de der og saa faae de det godt / H. C. Andersen / Paaskemorgen" ("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").

It was Andersen's wont 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.

Binding repaired, preserving the inscribed upper cover only, remargined and reinforced in places. Paper somewhat browned throughout, as common. 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.

References

Nielsen, H. C. Andersen Bibliografi, 1942, no. 516. Bork, H. C. Andersen. Catalogue of First Editions Collected by Jens S. Bork, 2014, p. 91: "The second cycle of fairy-tales is considered the breakthrough for Andersen as a story teller." Oeuvres, I, Pléiade, 1992, pp. 320-355 & 1320.

Stock Code: BN#46743 Tags: ,