Note
In this Merrymount Edition of Hans Andersen’s story, the translation of H. W. Dulcken is followed. The illustrations are by Mary J. Newill of Birmingham.
About This Book
An emperor presiding over a fragile porcelain palace learns from books about a famed nightingale whose song stirs listeners; courtiers search, and a humble kitchen maid guides them to the woodland bird, which performs at court and enchants everyone. Later a gilded mechanical songbird is presented and celebrated for its brilliant mimicry, and the living bird is neglected and flies away. When the sovereign falls gravely ill and Death draws near, the true nightingale returns, sings quietly by his bedside, and restores life and humility. The tale contrasts authentic natural art with manufactured spectacle and highlights compassion, simplicity, and the healing power of genuine beauty.