What was Hans Christian Andersen’s 1847 book about his life called in English?

Hans Christian Andersen’s 1847 book about his life was called The True Story of My Life in English.

The book was written for an English-speaking audience and appeared during Andersen’s lifetime, before his later Danish autobiography Mit Livs Eventyr was published in 1855. These two works are related but are not the same publication, which explains why their titles are sometimes mixed up.

The 1847 volume presents Andersen’s rise from a poor childhood in Odense to recognition as an author. It also reflects his international career and his growing connections with literary figures across Europe. Its English title emphasizes autobiography and personal testimony.

Andersen’s life writing often frames his career as an almost fairy-tale transformation. Modern readers should remember that autobiographies select and shape memories. The book is therefore both a historical source and a carefully constructed account of how Andersen wanted his life to be understood.