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Title: 20 TALES BY DANISH MASTER STORYTELLER
Review: Over the years I have enjoyed many HCA fairy tales, particularlythose which are not too tragic and appear as beautifully-illustrated picture books. But I must admit to being disappointed by this Harper anthology which is not all inclusive). The tales vary in length from rather long to absurdly short. Despite the author's occasional subtle humor he intrudes too much of himself into many tales, as if readers were really interested in hearing about the actual storyteller. One wonders if he were trying to curry favor with royal patronage at times. Some tales are brutal or grisly; others seem legitimate pleas for social reform. His favorite themes for general moralizing depict the dangers of excessive: greed, violence, and vanity. Was HCS trying to instruct or entertain his young readers?
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