A collection of fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen, including 'The Emperor's New Clothes' and other well-known stories. These imaginative tales often carry gentle moral lessons and have been enjoyed by readers of all ages. Worth listening for their timeless charm and wisdom.
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Cover of the original edition (Project Gutenberg, public domain).
Text source: gutenberg.org · The work is in the public domain.
Opening of the book
ANDERSEN'S FAIRY TALES
By Hans Christian Andersen
THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES
Many years ago, there was an Emperor, who was so excessively fond of new clothes, that he spent all his money in dress. He did not trouble himself in the least about his soldiers; nor did he care to go either to the theatre or the chase, except for the opportunities then afforded him for displaying his new clothes. He had a different suit for each hour of the day; and as of any other king or emperor, one is accustomed to say, “he is sitting in council,” it was always said of him, “The Emperor is sitting in his wardrobe.”
Time passed merrily in the large town which was his capital; strangers arrived every day at the court. One day, two rogues, calling