H. C. (Hans Christian) Andersen

I am again in my quiet Danish home, but my thoughts are daily in dear England, where, a few months ago, my many friends transformed for me reality into a charming story. Whilst occupied with a greater work, there sprung forth—as the flowers spring forth in the forest—seven short stories. I feel a desire, a longing, to transplant in England the first produce of my poetic garden, as a Christmas greeting: and I send it to you, my dear, noble, Charles...

After falling in love with a prince during a seastorm, a mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her tail for legs.

A collection of thirty-eight fairy tales by Andersen, including "The Mermaid," "The Red Shoes, " and "The Swineherd."