Hans Christian Andersen was born into poverty in Odense, 1805. He is best known for his celebrated Fairy Tales, produced in several instalments between 1835 and 1872. The likes of ‘The Ugly Duckling’ and ‘The Little Match Girl’ have become part of the common heritage. Though labelled a children’s author, his tone is dark; difference and exclusion are recurring themes. He died in 1875.