...and How To Fight Terrorism

by Norman Berdichevsky

2005 marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of Denmark’s greatest writer, whose works have been translated into more languages than any author (second only to the Bible). The event was marked not only in Denmark but throughout Europe with many festivities, exhibitions, seminars, exhibits and tours of his home town of Odense and where he lived in Copenhagen for many years.

Most Americans have basic misconceptions about Andersen and his work based on having seen the romanticized film about his life starring Danny Kaye and use of the term "fairy tales", usually considered appropriate only for children Almost all of his 156 short stories or "adventures" (a better meaning of the Danish word "eventyr" usually translated as "fairy tales") can be appreciated on two levels - one for adults and one for children. more…