The fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen's authorship covers a wide range of texts, but it was his fantastic fairy tales that really started his writing career.
Book Festival at Royal Danish Library
DR2 broadcasted Book Festival live from The Black Diamond in Copenhagen on Sunday, 8 November 2020. We showed off some of the library's treasures during the broadcast. Get to know the fine items.
Photo: Det Kgl. Bibliotek
In 2020, we had to do without many of the things we were used to. Unfortunately, this also applied to Bogforum. But we can not do without talking about books, literature and poetry - at least not here at the library. Instead of Bogforum, DR2 fortunately aired a 12-hour tour-de-force into the world of books - live from The Black Diamond - and we got to show off some of the treasures in our collections.
You can read more about them here and also find some of the other wonderful things that our collections contain.
When Hans Christian Andersen applied for a job at the king's library
In 1834, we received an application which would have changed not only the history of the library, but also the history of Denmark, if we had hired the applicant.
Out of Africa - Blixen's autobiographical work
Karen Blixen's archive contains numerous letters, notes and, of course, manuscripts. Come along and take a look at the manuscript of what is perhaps her most famous book, Out of Africa.
The largest book
The largest book in our collections is John James Audubon's life's work, The Birds of America. With its 435 hand-coloured bird drawings, it is an impressive work.
The smallest book
Books come in all sizes. Some so large that they have to be propped open to read. Others so small that they disappear on the shelves. Fortunately, not all of them have disappeared over the years.
The Gutenberg Bible
In the mid-15th century, Gutenberg revolutionised the production of books. He was the first to print books in Europe. Beautifully illuminated ones - and we have one of them.
Carl and Anne Marie
The Carl Nielsen archive is key to understanding two prominent artists in Danish history, Anne Marie and Carl Nielsen. The archive also tells about their passionate marriage.
Inger Christensen - the poet and the butterfly valley
From the 20th century sprang Inger Christensen, one of Denmark's greatest poets, who never rested on her laurels but constantly explored the boundaries of literature.
While you wait: Get to know our treasures
Hear our experts talk about some of the most unique materials in the library's collections.