Biography of Hans Christian Andersen Introduction Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish novelist, poet, playwright, and renowned fairy tale writer. He is the author of universally known fairy tales for children and adults, including "The Ugly Duckling," "The Emperor&;s New Clothes," "Thumbelina," "The Steadfast Tin Soldier," "The Princess and the Pea," "Ole Lukøje," "The Snow Queen," and.