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The Swineherd, illustrated and retold by Deborah Hahn.

This revisionist retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's original fairy-tale, The Swineherd, misses the mark entirely, inserting a bizarrely inappropriate "happy" ending that demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the story on Deborah Hahn's part. Andersen himself plays a role in this adaptation, reading his fairy-tale "play" to a boisterous crowd of animals and children, who simultaneously enact the story. When he reaches his (traditional) conclusion, there is an outcry from his audience, who declare that it is "Unjust...Fierce...Cruel," and set out to provide an alternative ending...

The problem with this scenario, and with the entire project, is that The Swineherd is not a tale meant to have a happy ending. The disillusionment of the lover, who discovers that his idol has feet of clay, is the entire point of the story. Not only does Hahn seem to have missed that fact, she also appears to be suffering under the misapprehension that it is the prince who is at fault. Her cast of characters produce a happy ending by reforming him, having him declare that he has been "arrogant and revengeful," "foolish and greedy." This is a rather curious inversion, as it places the blame for the princess' exile on the prince, rather than her own shallow insincerity, and takes as its assumption that he is somehow obligated to continue desiring her, even after a closer acquaintance has demonstrated her lack of both discernment and principle.

A very odd misinterpretation indeed, and one I do not recommend to any Andersen lover. ( )

The Swineherd, illustrated by Dorothée Duntze.

First published as Svinedrengen in 1841, this original fairy-tale from Hans Christian Andersen follows the story of a prince from a fairly modest kingdom, who attempts to court the daughter of the emperor. When his initial gifts - a sweet-singing nightingale and a beautiful rose - are rejected because they are too "natural," the prince disguises himself and assumes the role of the Imperial Swineherd. Now close to his love, he creates a number of cunning treasures, which he barters for her kisses. But will they bring him happiness...?

This edition of The Swineherd features the charming artwork of Dorothée Duntze, who has also illustrated Andersen's The Princess and the Pea and The Emperor's New Clothes. With adorable pig-strewn end-papers - Duntze's endpapers are always so entertainingly decorated! - an appealing palette, and many lovely details, this volume is a pleasure to peruse, from beginning to end. I particularly liked the pretty clothing Duntze created for her characters! Of the three versions of this tale I have read, this probably ranks as my favorite, and I would recommend it to any reader who appreciates beautiful fairy-tale artwork. ( )

The Swineherd, illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger.

The tale of an impoverished prince who attempts to woo a proud (and very foolish) emperor's daughter, only to discover that the object of his desire is not so desirable after all, The Swineherd displays a number of the recurring themes to be found in Hans Christian Andersen's work. From an unhappy and unfulfilled love, to the oppositional relationship of nature and artifice, the sentiments which inform this tale will be quite familiar to the Andersen reader.

Translated by Anthea Bell, and illustrated by the talented Lisbeth Zwerger - who has also worked on Andersen's Thumbeline, The Nightingale, and The Little Mermaid - this edition of The Swineherd reads well, and has great visual appeal. Zwerger's fans will recognize her unique sense of humor and fun in these pages, enjoying the many spot-on depictions, from the pompous emperor to the prancing ladies-in-waiting. ( )

This book was not the best I have read. It was a bit confusing and i could imagine it would be hard to follow was a kid. It was about a prince who tried to impress the princess with a gift, but she denied it. Then when he disguised himself, she gave him many kisses for the things he made. Eventually they were kicked out of the kingdom because of all the kisses and the prince is angry with the girl. Then he forgives her and it's a happy ending. ( )