‎"ANDERSEN, H. C.‎
‎Autographed letter, signed ""H. C. Andersen"", for ”Kjære William” (i.e. William Melchior). - [UTTERLY CHARMING BIRTHDAY LETTER IN THE FORM OF A LITTLE STORY]‎

‎Dated ""Frijsenborg den 27 August/ 1868."" 1 page 8vo. In a lovely green marbled paper binding with gilt lettering to front board. Old machine-written description pasted on to inside of back board. Letter professionally strengthened in the folds from verso, but in excellent condition.‎

Reference : 63549

‎An original handwritten letter from Andersen, being a lovely, cheerful birthday letter for the young birthday boy William Melchior, who was turning 7 years old. The letter is utterly charming and describes the journey of the birthday letter itself, flying over land and sea, from Jutland to Copenhagen. The letter not only portrays the ease with which Andersen communicates with children, it also constitutes a miniature version of beloved Andersen-stories such as “Little Tuk” and “A Piece of Pearl String”. William Melchior was the son of Moritz Melchior’s brother Israel, from his first marriage. Sadly, Andersen’s little friend died tragically later the same year, and this was to be his last birthday. The letter is published as no. 399 in Breve fra Andersen. The contents are as follows: ""Kjære William! Goddag! Gratulerer! mange Godter i det nye Aar! Mit Brev flyver gjennem Luften til Dig, hen over det Land, hvor de gjøre Jydepotter til at koge Din Middagsmad i" det flyver over det salte Vand, hvor Fiskene voxe for at blive spiste af Dig" det flyver henover Sjælland, hvor Nødderne groe, som Du skal knække, og hvor Æblerne groe, som Du skal have ondt i Maven af. Noget Ondt maae vi Alle have, ellers spiste vi for mange Æbler. Mit Brev er nu altsaa hos Dig! God Dag! Gratulerer! mange 'Godter'! Din Ven H.C. Andersen."" ‎