ANDERSEN HANS CHRISTIAN: (1805-1875) Danish author, a prolific writer who is best remembered for his literary fairy tales. A good A.L.S., H. C. Andersen, one page, 8vo, n.p. (London?), 27^th July 1847, to a lady, in German. Andersen states that he always has a bad star over him when his correspondent wishes to see him, continuing to apologise and also announcing that Jenny Lind has invited him to the opera on Sunday, and further explaining that he has heard her sing once in London before and that on Thursday she will sing, he thinks, for the last time. A small ink annotation in an unidentified hand at the base of the letter indicates that it was sent to Lady Duff Gordon. Some very minor, light discoloration and age wear, about VG

 

Lucie, Lady Duff Gordon (1821-1869) English author and translator who wrote as Lucie Gordon. Residing with her husband in Westminster, the Gordon's frequently entertained a remarkable circle of friends and acquaintances including Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray and Lord Tennyson.

 

Jenny Lind (1820-1887) Swedish opera singer, known as the 'Swedish Nightingale'. Lind first performed in London on 4^th May 1847 when she sang in an Italian version of Meyerbeer's Robert le diable. The performance was attended by Queen Victoria who was also present at each of Lind's sixteen debut performances in London. In July 1847, in the same month as the present letter, Lind starred in the world premiere of Verdi's opera I masnadieri at Her Majesty's Theatre, under the baton of the composer. In early 1849, still in her twenties, Lind announced her permanent retirement from the opera, and her final performance was on 10^th May 1849, again in Robert le diable, and again with Queen Victoria in attendance along with other members of the Royal Family.