AnnaLund2011

Hans Christian Andersen's sketches during his travels in Italy 1833-34

Absolutely stunning. I had no idea HC Andersen could also paint and sketch. In this book there are many beautiful reproductions of his impressions of Italy in the 19th Century, many with excerpts from his diary and from letters to friends at home.

I am absolutely charmed. 

From a letter:

"What air! The sky is twice as high as at home, what will it not be on the other side of the Appenines! I drink it in big draughts."

This.

This is the authentic voice of a Scandinavian, shocked to his core by the Italian climate.

And then add beautiful little sketches. Oh, I love my book!