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    The Little Mermaid - The Golden Age of Illustration Series
    The Little Mermaid - The Golden Age of Illustration Series
    The Little Mermaid - The Golden Age of Illustration Series
    Ebook162 pages1 hour

    The Little Mermaid - The Golden Age of Illustration Series

    By Hans Christian Anderson

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    About this ebook

    This volume of the Golden Age of Illustration Series contains Hans Christian Andersen's most famous tale 'The Little Mermaid', first published in May of 1837. This classic fairy tale has been continuously in print in different editions since its first publication, with many, many, different artists illustrating the story over the years. This edition features a beautiful collection of the best of that art, taken from the likes of Arthur Rackham, W. Heath Robinson, Harry Clarke, Honor Appleton, Anne Anderson, Edmund Dulac, Mable Lucie Attwell, among others.

    This series of books celebrates the Golden Age of Illustration. During this period, the popularity, abundance and - most importantly - the unprecedented upsurge in the quality of illustrated works marked an astounding change in the way that publishers, artists and the general public came to view this hitherto insufficiently esteemed art form.

    The Golden Age of Illustration Series, has sourced the rare original editions of these books and reproduced the beautiful art work in order to build a unique collection of illustrated fairy tales.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRead Books Ltd.
    Release dateApr 16, 2013
    ISBN9781473384729
    The Little Mermaid - The Golden Age of Illustration Series
    Author

    Hans Christian Anderson

    Hans Christian Andersen (1805 - 1875) was a Danish author and poet, most famous for his fairy tales. Among his best-known stories are The Snow Queen, The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, The Little Match Girl, The Ugly Duckling and The Red Shoes. During Andersen's lifetime he was feted by royalty and acclaimed for having brought joy to children across Europe. His fairy tales have been translated into over 150 languages and continue to be published in millions of copies all over the world and inspired many other works.

    Read more from Hans Christian Anderson

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    Reviews for The Little Mermaid - The Golden Age of Illustration Series

    4/5

    22 ratings19 reviews

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    • 3/5
      This was OK, but I didn't like the ending. It felt like the author couldn't figure out how to end it, so he just pulled something out of the "air." (That's a pun that goes along with the story ;))
    • 3/5
      The Little Mermaid, illustrated by Katie Thamer Treherne.Originally published in Danish as Den lille havfrue, Andersen's tale of a mermaid who longs to be human, in order to win romantic love and eternal salvation, has been retold countless times, and interpreted by many different authors and artists. I suspect that it is the most well-known of the author's many beloved tales. Certainly, it is one of the most adapted.As mentioned in my review of the Charles Santore version, this story has always held a certain fascination for me, despite the fact that it does not rank among my favorite fairy-tales. This edition, illustrated by Katie Thamer Treherne, is a solid, engaging - though by no means brilliant - version, with appealing watercolor illustrations and a (mostly) faithful narrative. A little more abbreviated than the Santore edition (itself based on the nineteenth-century Mary Howitt translation), it nevertheless hits all the key points, and is sure to please all but the most die-hard of fans. I wouldn't put in on the same footing as Santore's retelling, but it is still a very charming addition to any fairy-tale library.
    • 2/5
      This is the original Anderson story, much sadder than the Disney version, in an edition produced in Denmark for English-language tourists. There is a very nice introduction by Erik Dal which describes Anderson's life which sympathy and honesty (some of his poetry is "astonishingly bad," though some poems are in the hearts of all Danes as much as the fairytales) and converys well the Danish feeling for the impact of his use of simple, natural language (rather like the theory, if not the practice, of Wordsworth.) The illustrations are selections from famous versions by a number of different illustrators, the Danes Pederson and Frolich and Bang, the French Dargent, the Russian Bunin, Arthur Rackham and Richard Bennet, even Japanese and Chinese versions, among others.
    • 3/5
      4.The “Little Mermaid” is a book about a fairytale of a mermaid who longs to be human and win the love of a prince. The big idea of the story is about making great sacrifices and taking huge risks. I have mixed feelings for this book, in that I did and did not like it for a few reasons. I liked this book for the overall fantasy genre focus. It brings imagination to readers interests. It focuses on princesses, princes, and a mermaid which sparks the interests of creativity to a readers mind. For instance, the book transports readers on an unforgettable voyage from the fanciful underwater realm of the little mermaid to her dazzling new home on the surface. That is a fun theme and plot for readers who like to take a step into imagination. But, the overall layout, illustrations, and writing did not spark my interest. The layout of the writing was placed into large paragraphs. The paragraphs appeared never ending, and it doesn’t captures the readers’ attention. Also, the pictures are revealing, so the audience could not be younger than 7th grade. The mermaid appears to be slightly nude in a few pictures. I understand that it is a traditional tale, but the book should not be considered a children’s read. Lastly, the writing was not paced well. There weren’t many breaks or exaggerations in between words. The main idea is appropriate for all ages, but the book’s appearance is not.
    • 1/5
      Hans, Hans, Hans, you sick fuck.I haven't read the Disney version but I bet it ain't nothing like this.The original (translated) version includes:The cutting out of a tongueThreats of murderBlack milk coming out of a witches breastHierarchy of sisterly beautyMarital possessivenessAnd perhaps most disturbingly of all, the overall message as explained in the final paragraph:"Unseen, we glide into human homes where there are children, and whenever we find a good child, one who makes its parents happy and deserves their love [because obviously some children don't deserve love], God shortens our time of trial. The child never knows when we fly through the room; if its goodness makes us smile with pleasure, a year is taken from the three hundred. But if we see a naughty, evil child, then we must weep tears of sorrow, and each tear adds one day more to our time of waiting."Now kiddies, your bedtime story is over. SLEEP TIGHT.None of this is a sleight on the translator and artist of this particular version, who both did an excellent job. The pastel drawings by Christian Birmingham are evocative and beautiful, and the large format of this volume invites lengthy gazing. My question is rather, how has this story survived? Of all the stories that might be readapted, time and time again, why this one?
    • 4/5
      This story is a classic. I enjoyed reading this picture book since the illustrations were colorful and detailed to match the writing. The language was descriptive and powerful. This classic story is about a unknown kingdom under the depths of the ocean and one girls dream to change the separation of the two worlds. This stories language makes the story come to life with descriptive words, given the fact that it is of the traditional fantasy genre. “The sea looked quite green, and large icebergs were floating about, each like a pearl, she said, but larger and loftier than the churches built by men,” helps create a picture in the readers mind and keep them engaged in the story. Given the descriptive language seeing colorful detailed illustrations help to aid readers create pictures to match the oral stories. The main idea of this story is to be careful what you wish for.
    • 4/5
      The Ugly Duckling is a very common folktale story that has been told for many years now. It starts off with a little duck who looks a little different from the rest of the pack. None of the other ducks talk with him and made fun of him which made the little duckling feel very sad. The little duck had enough of being made fun of so he ran away which made the little duck feel depressed and alone. The ugly duckling grew up by him self but when he was finally all grown up he realized he was a swan and not a duck at all. He was a beautiful swan and found other swans that excepted him.
    • 5/5
      An "ugly duckling" is hatched and is constantly made fun of because he looks nothing like his siblings. Eventually, he runs away to find a place where he belongs. Through this journey, he discovers his true identity.
    • 5/5
      The main moral of this old tale has always been, not to judge a book by the cover. This story has been told over and over. One day a ugly duckling hatches, everyone makes fun of him because he is different. He relocates himself over and over trying to figure out where he is suppose to be. It isn't until the end when he grows up and sees his own reflection that he realizes that he has grown into a beautiful swan. Now everyone envies his looks and he does fit in after all. This book could be read to students for many reasons. It teaches children that what is on the inside is more important than how someone looks. Also, it could be ready when teaching folklore.
    • 4/5
      decent telling of a well-known story
    • 4/5
      This book is a wonderful translation of the classic Ugly Duckling tale. The story follows the life of a young "duck" from his birth to the moment of his self-realization. All the other animals throughout this book laugh and make fun of him because he looks ugly and different from everyone else. He goes through many hardships because of his ugliness, but it all pays off when he becomes a beautiful swan. Personal Reflection: The moral of this story is very influential. Children may find it hard to understand at first, but they need to know that no matter what they may look or act like now does not allude to their future. I personally really enjoyed reading this book and looking at the realistic illustrations. They really brought this book to life.Extensions: 1. Have children do "Spot the Difference" puzzles. See who finds the most. Explain that being different isn't a bad thing. 2. Invite a guest speaker who overcame adversity to speak to the children. Examples could be a local buisness owner, senator, principal, anyone who rose to the top from the very bottom.
    • 2/5
      I did not like this book because of its language and plot, but I did enjoy the main character’s determination. Before I read this tale, I thought back to the times when I listened to this story as a child. I remembered the main idea, which was the ugly duckling turned into a swan and finally found happiness and acceptance in the world. The current version however, was extremely long and drawn out, and included unnecessary details. For instance, in the beginning paragraph it said, “The stork walking about on his long red legs chattered in the Egyptian language which he had learnt from his mother.” I felt that this detail was not necessary because it had nothing to do with the story, and only confused me as a reader. Even though the language is written as though it is telling a story, I still did not find the plot to be well paced and organized. The ugly duckling traveled to different places, and met so many different characters that it was soon hard to keep up with the story line. I did enjoy the duckling’s character because he was determined and always believed in himself. For example, the ugly duckling chose to leave his family on the farm in order to find a place that would be more accepting of him. I feel that this takes a lot of bravery especially from a young duckling; he was not kicked out of his home, but instead chose to leave on his own. I feel that the overall message of this tale is to always believe in yourself, no matter how others perceive you. Once the ugly duckling gained the courage to use his wings to fly, he began to transform into a beautiful swan. I really liked that the swan knew that he deserved to find happiness and that he worked hard for it, “He now felt glad at having suffered sorrow and trouble, because it enabled him to enjoy so much better all the pleasure and happiness around him.” Working hard will always pay off in the end.
    • 5/5
      Do not judge a book by its cover, for one day that book may surprise you. This classic, and still endearing story was brought to life through Andersen. The characters were very believable, and easy to form a bond with. From the moment the duckling hatched and was described as terribly big, and ugly, I felt sympathetic. Through the strong language, and vivid imagery, I immediately felt a connection to the ugly duckling. While everyone around him teased him for his appearance, the audience could see that there was more to this duckling. The storyline followed the typical traditional literature pattern, which was easy to follow. The tale even ended with a lesson that “it doesn’t matter if you are born in a duck yard as long as you are hatched from a swan’s egg.” This valuable lesson was accomplished through a simple story, but this story proves time and time again to be effective. The book does push the reader to think about tough issues, and look at social problems deeper than before.
    • 4/5
      The Ugly Duckling is a great children’s book. It tells about self-confidence, and persistence. The main two reasons why I liked this book was because of the writing style and characters. The writing was very clear and flowed very well, the way this was written kept the reader focused on what was to come next. Also the author used some word to compare what is “beautiful” to what is “ugly.” The characters on the other hand were very realistic. Even though they were portrayed as ducks, people in their every day life go through this feeling of being “unwanted.” This story shows how everyone can feel that way and how to overcome it. The ugly duckling was left out of a lot of things, but at the end of the story the ugly duckling turned out to be a swan which he’s now considered “King of the Swans.” He swam around with confidence now that he felt he was beautiful. The message is to always love yourself, and someone will help you find your confidence.
    • 3/5
      This is a traditional fairy tale about a mermaid, who meets a prince, and must give up her most beautiful talent to become human. The setting in this story is well established quickly at the beginning. The plot is simple, and direct. The illustrations in this book are very basic, yet colorful, and creative.I remember watching The Little Mermaid on television, and I remember from a long time ago, I think the movie was called Mermaid, with Tom Hanks in it. I loved that movie!A great extension idea would be to have students draw their vision of what the Mermaid would look like. Another would be to have students come up with costume ideas, and have them dress like Mermaids.
    • 5/5
      Summary:A duckling hatches from his egg only to find out that he looks completely different from his siblings. The duckling is bullied from his siblings and peers so he decides to leave the farm and live with wild geese. Unfortunately, the wild geese are killed off during hunting season. The duckling continues to look for a place to belong but is constantly rejected until he comes across a pond full of swans. As he looks at his reflection in the water, he realizes that he looks just like the other swans. Even some children claim that he is the most beautiful of all the swans. Personal Reaction:This is always a good story to tell children, especially at a young age. It helps explain that just because someone looks different, it’s still not right to judge them or make fun of them. It’s also a good story for those children that are different in that it tells them it’s ok to be yourself and just because someone is picking on you doesn’t mean you won’t be successful later in life. The retelling of this story was also very nice in that it went into more detail about the ducklings feelings. Classroom Extension:1) Have an open discussion about bullying. Explain why it’s wrong, what to do when you see someone being bullied and the different types of bullying. 2) Talk about the differences between ducks and swans.
    • 5/5
      This version of The Ugly Duckling is a great retelling of the classic story, with an enriched exploration of the Ugly Duckling's feelings and experiences. The illustrations are stunning. My three children, ages 3-5, are enthralled. And because of the nuance and complexity of the story, this will continue to be a family favorite for years to come.
    • 4/5
      Black and white watercolors with splashes of yellow in this 1969 version of "The Ugly Duckling" translated by Lillian Moore. Seems to have the complete story. Suffering is purifying.
    • 5/5
      This book is a classic. We all know the story. The Duckling was odd from the very beginning. He grows up and has a variety of adventures only to realize at the end that he is not a duck at all...but a beautiful swan.

      This Golden book really is meant more for the parent to read to the young child. The illustrations are classic and stylish. But the print is small...And with use of words like "Fluttered" and "cackled" by the time the young reader can acknowledge what these words mean in context they wouldn't be interested in reading a story like this one.

      Still, it's a classic. I enjoy it and is why I am keeping it as one of my favorites.

    Book preview

    The Little Mermaid - The Golden Age of Illustration Series - Hans Christian Anderson

    List of Illustrations

    The Mermaid.

    Dugald Stewart Walker

    The Mermaid.

    Maxwell Armfield

    Far out at sea, the water is as blue as the prettiest corn-flower, and

    as clear as the purest crystal.

    Jennie Harbour

    The Little Mermaid.

    Anne Anderson

    The Little Mermaid.

    W. Heath Robinson

    The Little Mermaid.

    Dugald Stewart Walker

    The Little Mermaid.

    Arthur Rackham

    The Little Mermaid.

    Honor Appleton

    Down below the surface of the sea live the mermen and the mermaids.

    Hans Tegner

    The Merman King had been for many years a widower, but his old mother kept the

    house for him; she was a clever woman, but so proud of her noble birth that

    she wore twelve oysters on her tail, while other grandees were only allowed six.

    Edmund Dulac

    The Six Little Princesses.

    E. A. Lemann

    The youngest was the most lovely.

    W. Heath Robinson

    Ate out of their hands, and allowed themselves to be stroked.

    Helen Stratton

    All the livelong day they used to play in the palace in the great halls.

    Arthur rackham

    They ate from their hands.

    W. Heath Robinson

    A statue of a beautiful boy.

    Jennie Harbour

    She would have nothing besides the rosy flowers like the sun up

    above except a statue of a beautiful boy.

    Dugald Stewart Walker

    She cared only for a beautiful little statue of a boy of pure white marble.

    A. Duncan Carse

    She made her old grandmother tell her about ships, towns and men.

    Anne Anderson

    She put the statue in her garden.

    W. Heath Robinson

    A statue, representing a handsome youth, hewn out of pure white marble.

    Helen Stratton.

    Still more swiftly flew over the water a flock of white swans.

    Anne Anderson

    Children playing in the water.

    E. A. Lemann

    She came across a whole flock of little children.

    Arthur Rackham

    They flew away in great alarm.

    Helen Stratton

    All the vessels scudded past in great alarm.

    Helen Stratton

    Farewell! she cried, and rose up in the water.

    Honor Appleton

    She lifted her head abover the sea.

    Gordon Browne

    Everytime she was lifted by the swell she could see through

    the transparent panes crowds of gaily dressed people.

    Thomas Robinson

    A big three masted ship lay close by.

    Maxwell Armfield

    The sun had just set when her head rose above the water.

    Charles Robinson

    She rose again and again on their towering crests.

    Anne Anderson

    The ship was beginning to make greater headway; large clouds were gathering and flashed of lightning were seen. - The little mermaid now understood that the ship was in danger.

    Hans Tegner

    She dived deep down under the water, rising again between the waves.

    Honor Appleton

    His strength was failing him, and he could hardly swim any longer.

    A. W. Bayes

    She held his head above the water and let the waves drive them whithersoever they would.

    Dugald Stewart Walker

    She at last came to the Prince, who could scarcely swim.

    Gordon Browne

    She held up his head, and let the waves drift them where they could.

    Honor Appleton

    She laid him upon the warm sand.

    Anne Anderson

    His limbs were numbed, his beautiful eyes were closing, and he must of died if the little mermaid had not come to the rescue.

    Edmund Dulac

    Many young girls came out into the garden.

    Jennie Harbour

    A young girl came to the spot where he lay.

    A. W. Bayes

    It was not long before a young maiden approached the spot where he was lying.

    Helen Stratton

    She seemed quite frightened at finding the prince apparently dead.

    Anne Anderson

    She put her arms round the marble figure which was so like the prince.

    Arthur Rackham

    Many an evening she rose to the place.

    W. Heath Robinson

    She saw him many an evening sailing about in his beautiful boat.

    Anne Anderson

    She saw him many times.

    Gordon Browne

    You must not think about that, Said the old dame.

    Helen Stratton

    Its trees and bushes were polypi.

    E. A. Lemann

    What a fearful sight for the unfortunate princess!

    Anne Anderson

    Crossing her hands over her bosom she darted along as a

    fish shoots through the water between the ugly polypi.

    Helen Stratton

    Here sat the witch caressing a toad.

    Anne Anderson

    Within sat the sea-witch feeding a toad from her mouth.

    Helen Stratton

    There the sea-witch was sitting, while a toad was eating out of her mouth and water

    snakes were crawling on her bosom.

    Hans Tegner

    I know what you want, said the sea witch.

    Harry Clark

    The Little Sea Maid.

    Rie Cramer

    The polyps shrank back from her in terror.

    Arthur Rackham.

    But the little mermaid had no need to do this, for at the mere sight of the bright liquid, which sparked in her hand like a shining star, they drew back in terror.

    Edmund Dulac

    The little mermaid drank of the wonderful liquid contained in her phial.

    Anne Anderson

    When the sun arose she awoke.

    W. Heath Robinson

    When the sun rose over the sea she awoke and felt a sharp pang.

    Helen Stratton

    Before her stood the handsome young prince.

    Edna Hart

    The Prince asked her who she was and how she came there.

    V. Pedersen

    The prince asked who she was and how she came there; she looked at him tenderly and with a sad expression in her dark blue eyes, but she could not speak.

    Edmund Dulac

    Clothed in the costliest silks and muslins she was the greatest beauty in the palace.

    Jennie Harbour

    Dancing over the floor as no one had yet danced.

    Harry Clarke

    Rose on her toes, and glided across the floor.

    A. W. Bayes

    She beckoned to them.

    Anne Anderson

    She would go

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