Hans Christian Andersen  Description[from Freebase]  Hans
Christian Andersen (Danish pronunciation: [ˈhanˀs ˈkʁæsdjan
ˈɑnɐsn̩], referred to using the initials H. C. Andersen (Danish
pronunciation: [ˈhɔːˀ ˈseːˀ ˈɑnɐsn̩]) in Denmark and the rest of
Scandinavia; April 2, 1805 – August 4, 1875) was a Danish
author, fairy tale writer, and poet noted for his children's
stories. These include "The Steadfast Tin Soldier," "The Snow
Queen," "The Little Mermaid," "Thumbelina," "The Little Match
Girl," and "The Ugly Duckling." During his lifetime he was
acclaimed for having delighted children worldwide, and was feted
by royalty. His poetry and stories have been translated into
more than 150 languages. They have inspired motion pictures,
plays, ballets, and animated films. Hans Christian Andersen was
born in the town of Odense, Denmark, on Tuesday, April 2, 1805.
He was an only child. "Hans", "Christian" and "Andersen" were
(and are) traditional and common Danish names. Andersen's
father, also Hans, considered himself re