THE present volume is the second of the selected stories from Hans
Andersen. Together the books include what, out of a larger number, are
the best for children's use. The story-telling activity of this
inimitable genius covered a period of more than forty years. Besides
these shorter juvenile tales, there are a few which deserve to survive.
"The Ice Maiden" is a standard, if not a classic, and "The Sandhills of
Jutland" was pronounced by Ruskin the most perfect story that he knew.
It adds a charm to the little stories of these two volumes to know that
the genial author traveled widely for a man of his time and everywhere
was urged to tell the tales himself. This he did with equal charm in the
kitchens of the humble and in the courts and palaces of nobles.
As was said in the preface to the first volume, wherever there are
children to read, the stories of Hans Christian Andersen will be read
and loved.