The Kiss of the Snow Queen - by Wolfgang Lederer (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The Kiss of the Snow Queen: Hans Christian Andersen and Man's Redemption by Woman explores the profound layers of meaning behind Andersen's beloved tale, The Snow Queen. Framed as a children's story, the narrative is revealed to be rich in allegory and adult themes, crafted with dual audiences in mind. Andersen himself hinted that his tales, while seemingly for children, carried deeper lessons intended for adults--truths that often transcended the author's conscious understanding. This study unpacks the autobiographical elements woven into the story and the broader poetic truths Andersen sought to convey about love, redemption, and human relationships.

The book dives into the duality of Andersen's storytelling, juxtaposing the magical elements that enchant children with the philosophical and spiritual insights aimed at engaging adult readers. It examines Andersen's claim that every character and scenario reflects his own life, inviting readers to uncover how the tale mirrors universal struggles and aspirations. With its exploration of The Snow Queen as both a personal and archetypal narrative, this work positions Andersen as a master poet whose fairy tales bridge the gap between childlike wonder and profound wisdom, offering truths that resonate across generations.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1986.