Hans Andersen's evocative stories blend wit and pathos, his light but shrewd touch revealing the selfishness and stupidity of man. In 'The Emperor's New Clothes' it takes a child to point out the Emperor's foolishness and his excess of pride eventually makes him a laughing stock. His stupidity is therefore punished, just as the modesty and good nature of 'The Ugly Duckling' is justly rewarded in the end. Andersen's fresh and vivacious tone illuminates all of the old favourites in this selection - which include 'The Little Mermaid', 'The Princess on the Pea', 'The Tinderbox' and 'The Snow Queen'. These imaginative and humorous fairy tales remain as universally popular today as when they were created 150 years ago.