Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales first edition to make $25,000?

A rare first edition copy of Hans Christian Andersen's Eventyr foralte for børn, or Fairy Tales told for children is to auction at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury.

The lot, which carries an estimate of £10,000-15,000 ($16,695-25,043), is to cross the block at the Summer Book Sale in London on August 28-29.

Hans Anderson
Hans Christian Andersen published his fairy tales as a single book in 1837

It was first published as three separate booklets between 1835 and 1837 before being collected into a single edition. The preface reads: "With this third pamphlet the Fairy Tales are now gathered in one little volume.

"It will depend on the impression it makes on the public if this is to be the only one. A poet is always a poor man in his own little country. Fame is therefore the golden bird he has to catch! Time will tell if I catch it by telling Fairy Tales."

His stories initially sold poorly until 1845, when the Little Mermaid was translated and published in an English periodical.

He became a major literary celebrity and befriended Charles Dickens - although they fell out after Andersen was invited to stay at Dickens' home for the weekend and didn't leave for over a month.  

We have a genuine strand of Hans Christian Andersen's hair available.

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