Hang Christian Andersen would be furious to know that the world remembers him best for a story about an ugly duckling. The insanely insecure Dane desired enduring fame-but not as a children's author. Born in 1805 in one of Denmark's poorest neighborhoods, Andersen rose to fortune and glory as a literary star. He conceived his first international hit, the novel The Improvisator during a trip to Italy. Later journeys through Europe, Turkey, and Scandinavia inspired characters and plots in his novels, travel books, and plays.