Stamp Issue: 200th Anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen The Immortal Storyteller

Hans Christian Andersen is the Danish author whose timeless fairy tales such as The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen, The Princess and the Pea and The Ugly Duckling have enthralled both children and adults alike.

His fairytales were not meant merely for children but for adults as well. Many of his tales depict characters that gain happiness in life after suffering and conflicts. Although written more than a century ago, his tales are still as fresh and enchanting today as they were then.

In 2005 the bicentennial of Hans Christian Andersen will be celebrated worldwide. To mark this special tribute to this amazing storyteller, four of his much-loved fairytales -- Thumbelina, The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Little Mermaid -- are beautifully illustrated in this delightful set of stamps.