Hans Christian Andersen 1805 - 1875 From a humble childhood, the writer Hans Christian Andersen became one of the world's best loved story tellers. Here is one of his earlier stories 'Little Ida's Flowers' that was first published in 1835. Little Ida's Flowers... MY poor flowers are quite dead," said little Ida, "they were so pretty yesterday evening, and now all the leaves are hanging down quite withered. What do they do that for," she asked, of the student who sat on the sofa; she liked him very much, he could tell the most amusing stories, and cut out the prettiest pictures; hearts, and ladies dancing, castles with doors that opened, as well as flowers; he was a delightful student. "Why do the flowers look so faded to-day?" she asked again, and pointed to her nosegay, which was quite withered...