Sep 26, 2006, 13:57 GMT
Copenhagen - A book written by Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard with a personal dedication to famed story-teller Hans Christian Andersen has caused excitement in the Danish capital, reports said Tuesday.
Although first editions normally fetch higher prices, Kierkegaard's dedication to Andersen has generated the interest - and would likely better the price, the Jyllands-Posten newspaper said.
The signed copy of the book Either-Or, long thought missing, provides a concrete example of ties between two of Denmark's best- known 19th century authors.
Copenhagen auction house Bruun Rasmussen was slated to sell Kierkegaard's book Either-Or on December 12.
Kierkegaard, a prolific writer, wrote on philosophy, theology, psychology, and was also a literary critic.
Either-Or was published 1843. Six years later, Andersen received his second edition copy, and the dedication was believed to have helped soothe his feelings after Kierkegaard had written a scathing review of Andersen's 1837 novel Only a Fiddler.
In Kierkegaard's papers, researchers found a letter from Andersen expressing deep appreciation for the book and the dedication.
'The book's cultural historic importance is priceless since it represents the only physical evidence of direct contact between Denmark's two greatest authors,' auction house spokesman Sebastian Hauge Lerche was quoted as telling the newspaper.
The book was estimated to be worth 100,000 kroner (17,000 dollars), but was believed to fetch a much higher price.
Last year, Denmark celebrated the 200 anniversary of Andersen's birth and the 150th anniversary of Kierkegaard's death.
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