Let's get one thing straight: this isn't your childhood storybook. Märchen collects the original tales of Hans Christian Andersen, presented alongside the stark, eerie illustrations of Austrian artist Alfred Kubin. Forget cute, forget cozy. Kubin's art is all sharp angles, deep shadows, and figures that seem caught between dreams and nightmares. It's a perfect match for Andersen's writing, which was never just for kids. His stories are full of quiet suffering, social satire, and a deep, aching loneliness.

The Story

There's no single plot. Instead, you wander through a forest of familiar and lesser-known tales. You'll meet the Little Mermaid, who trades her voice for legs and feels like she's walking on knives. You'll follow the steadfast Tin Soldier through his tragic journey. But you'll also find stories like 'The Shadow,' where a man's own shadow becomes his master—a genuinely creepy concept. The book doesn't tell one story; it shows you a whole world where magic is real, but it often comes with a terrible price.

Why You Should Read It

This edition made me see these stories in a new light. Reading Andersen's text alone, you feel the melancholy. But seeing Kubin's illustrations—like the gaunt, twisted face of the Snow Queen or the hollow eyes of the Steadfast Tin Soldier—makes that feeling visceral. It highlights the parts we often gloss over: the mermaid's silent agony, the little match girl's frozen visions. It's a powerful reminder that fairy tales were once tools to explore the darkest parts of human experience, not just deliver a happy ending.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love classic stories but want to see their darker, original roots. If you're a fan of artists like Edward Gorey or enjoy gothic literature, Kubin's art alone is worth the price. It's also great for anyone who believes that the best stories for adults are often hiding in the children's section. Just don't expect to feel warm and fuzzy when you're done. You'll feel moved, maybe a little haunted, and definitely wiser.