First edition books, original watercolors, and letters from the Danish author whose fairy tales have permeated culture and been adapted into some of the most popular Disney properties

New York – A once-in-a-generation collection of material relating to Hans Christian Anderson (1805-1875) – the Danish author renowned for his timeless fairy tales – will be presented at Bonhams from April 21 – 29. While he also authored a number of plays, novels, poems, travel books, and autobiographies throughout his career, Anderson's fairy tales are among the most frequently translated works in all of literary history and provided the inspiration for iconic Disney adaptations such as The Little Mermaid, Frozen, Fantasia 2000, and The Ugly Duckling. The sale timed to the 150th anniversary of Andersen's passing, offers 90-lots that feature inscribed first edition books, more than 35 association copies to the friends and family that surrounded him throughout his art and life, original autograph letters, as well as original artworks created for some of Anderson's most famous stories.

The material comes from the personal collection of Justin G. Schiller, an American bookseller and proprietor of the oldest specialist firm in the United States with a focus on rare and collectible children's books.

"Hans Christian Andersen's importance lies not only in his contribution to children's literature but also in how his tales transcend age, offering insights that continue to captivate both young readers and adults alike," commented Ian Ehling, Director of Fine Books & Manuscripts, North America. "His legacy endures through countless adaptations in film, theater, and art, solidifying his place as one of the most influential storytellers in history. This astounding collection of material presents an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Anderson's timeless magic"

Highlighting the collection is a copy of the first edition of his first cycle of fairy tales, Eventyr, Fortalte For Børn ('Fairy Tales Told for Children'), estimated at $10,000 – 15,000. A collection of nine stories, the book most notably includes the first appearance in print The Little Mermaid and The Emperor's New Clothes, as well as The Princess and the Pea and Thumbelina. In addition, an exceedingly rare presentation copy of Anderson's 3rd volume of the 2nd series of fairy tales in its original wrappers and complete will also be offered. Estimated at $10,000 – 15,000, the book was presented by Andersen to Peter Koch, the son of Anderson's close friends Ida Wulf and Jørgen Hansen Koch, upon publication in 1842.

Also of note in the sale is doll house furniture that was created and hand-decorated with fantastical motifs by Anderson for his three goddaughters. Anderson had introduced the girl's parents – Baron Henrik and Jonna Stampe (nee Drewsen) – and had even written a play about their courtship. Together with August Drewsen, the girls' grandfather, he created three elaborate picture books for them during the 1850s. These pieces of miniature furniture, decorated with Andersen's cutouts featuring exotic motifs both from the fantastic world of fairy tales and from the real world of faraway lands and cultures, likely date from the same period. Estimated at $12,000 – 18,000, they are an intensely personal expression of his world view and his unique connection to the family and his godchildren.

Additionally, the sale features original artwork inspired by Andersen's tales including original pen-and-ink illustrations by Karl Lagerfeld (1933-2019) from his edition of The Emperor's New Clothes. Also featured are original watercolor illustrations created for some of Andersen's classic fairy tales, including The Snow Queen, the story which was the inspiration for the Disney blockbuster Frozen. One of Andersen's longest, most intricate and highly acclaimed stories, Disney had been interested in producing a faithful adaptation of The Snow Queen since before 1940. However, the writers wrestled with the material, including with the title character being a villain, until the storyline was adapted into the 2013 film. The watercolor, estimated at $6,000 – 9,000, was painted by Heinrich Lefler (1863-1919), one of the great decorative artists of the Vienna secession.