Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a Danish author best known for his fairy tales. He was born in the town of Odense, Denmark, where he grew up in poverty. Despite his humble beginnings, Andersen pursued a career in writing and published his first fairy tales in 1835. His stories, such as 'The Little Mermaid,' 'The Ugly Duckling,' and 'The Princess and the Pea,' have become beloved classics that continue to enchant children and adults around the world. Andersen's works often explore themes of love, loss, and resilience.