Reading Groups

In Short: Hans Christian Andersen's “The Emperor’s New Clothes” with Amanda Hollander

$45

1 Session

In stock

Thursday, 6:30 pm EDT - 8:00 pm EDT April 2, 2026

The Center for Fiction

Exploring the World of Hans Christian Andersen: A new series of In Short discussions. Register individually or click here to enroll in all four sessions at a discounted rate. Registration includes a complimentary drink from our Café & Bar. A link to the story will be emailed upon registration.

A vain, reckless fool surrounds himself with sycophants and rules in chaos, delusional about himself and enabled by the fawners and flatterers that approach him. This obviously describes the main character in Hans Christian Andersen’s 19th-century fable “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” which warns of what happens when a narcissist is more in love with appearances than with the rule of law, and indulges the grifters around him but punishes those who refuse to accept the lies of adults.

Together, we’ll discuss the historical and political events preceding the publication of “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” and how Andersen’s story informed other political folktales of his time.

What to read in advance of the first meeting: Please read “The Emperor’s New Clothes” in its entirety before the first meeting. A link to the story will be emailed to you upon registration.

Led by

Amanda Hollander

Amanda Hollander

Amanda Hollander is a writer and librettist living in Brooklyn. She holds a doctorate in Victorian and children’s literature from UCLA.

About this series

Reading Groups

Whether you’re looking to catch up on great novels or you’re interested in exploring a new writer or literary period, our reading groups offer high-level literary discussion led by experts in the field.

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