Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen is one of the writers whose work has had the greatest impact internationally. He is the most translated author in the world. His life and work are well-documented, but have never been described on film or television. This is an enigma considering his life was so unusual and his impact so great.

The two-part programme Hans Christian Andersen is the story of Andersen’s life from birth to death told for the first time on film for television broadcast.

Hans Christian Andersen grew up in a turbulent period. His life, was a fairy tale in its own right: he came from a remote province, far from modern times, and forged a place among the leading writers of 19th century Europe. A British diplomat once reported his immediate impressions of this peculiar man: he appeared to be “half child, half God”.