D enmark" by M. Pearson Thomson is a descriptive travelogue written in the early 20th century. The work explores the rich culture, history, and landscapes of Denmark, with an emphasis on both its urban and rural life, including noteworthy features like the vibrant city of Copenhagen. Thomson likely draws on a personal journey through the country to illustrate its customs, notable figures, and geographical wonders. The opening of the text introduces Copenhagen as a lively and welcoming city, described fondly as "Merry Copenhagen." It captures the picturesque entrance to the city through the Sound, highlighting significant landmarks, such as Kronborg Castle, and the historical significance of various locations. The narrative establishes an inviting atmosphere through details of the city's architecture, gardens, and local customs, portraying the warm hospitality of the Danish people and the vibrant social life celebrated in cafés and restaurants. This introductory chapter sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Denmark's folk culture, historical figures like Hans Christian Andersen, and its picturesque rural life, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of the country.T he climate of Copenhagen is delightful in summer, but quite the reverse in winter. Andersen says "the north-east wind and the sunbeams fought over the 'infant Copenhagen, ' consequently the wind and the 'mud-king' reign in winter, the sunbeams in summer, and the latter bring forgetfulness of winter's hardships." Certainly, when the summer comes, the sunshine reigns supreme, and makes Copenhagen bright and pleasant for its citizens. Then the many water-ways and canals, running up from the sea as they do into the heart of the city, make it delightfully refreshing on a hot day. Nyhavn, for instance, which opens out of theKongen's Nytorv-the fashionable centre of the town-is one of the quaintest of water-streets. The cobbled way on either side of the water, the curious little shops with sailors' and ships' wares, old gabled houses, fishing and cargo boats with their forests of masts, the little puffing motor-boats plying to and fro-all serve to make a distinctive picture. On another canal-side the fish-market is held every morning. A Danishfish-market is not a bit like otherfish-markets, for the Dane must buy his fish alive, and the canal makes this possible. The fishing-smacks line up the whole side of the quay; these have perforated wooden boat-shaped tanks
