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Hans Christian Andersen

Journalist Michael Booth picks author Hans Christian Andersen. With Michael Rosen. Presented by Matthew Parris. From 2021.

Hans Christian Andersen was 'a very strange orchid,' says journalist Michael Booth.

He was born in 1806 in Denmark.

He’s still famous for so many stories that every child knows. 156 in total.

His own life is almost as odd as the tales he told. A neurotic hypochondriac, he escaped a terrible childhood and travelled to Copenhagen to make his name.

Helping to tell the story of his life is Michael Rosen, the author of many books for children including 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'.

Michael Booth is the author of The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia.

Hans Christian Andersen is the author of The Little Mermaid and The Emperor's New Clothes

Presenter: Matthew Parris

Produced at BBC Audio Bristol by Miles Warde.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2021.

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28 minutes

On radio

Thu 22 Oct 2026 10:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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  • Tue 3 Aug 2021 16:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 6 Aug 2021 23:00
    BBC Radio 4
  • Thu 22 Oct 2026 10:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 22 Oct 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 23 Oct 2026 00:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

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