Hans Andersen`s evocative stories blend wit pathos,his light but shrewd touch revealing the selfishness and stupidity og man. In "The emperor`s New clothes"it takes a child to point out theEmperor`s foolishness and his excess of pride eventually makes him a loughing stock.His stupidity is therefore punished,justt 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 enclude "The Little Mermaid","The Princess on the Pea","The Tinderbox" and " The snow Queen".