A story about the lives of 19th-century Dutch schoolchildren, 'Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates,' was written by the American writer Mary Mape Dodge (1831–1905). Published in 1865, it immediately made the author famous. And yet Dodge had never been to Holland! What was the secret of its unprecedented success?
The book contains historical and ethnographic information about the country, which is organically woven into the thread of a dramatic narrative. Perhaps that is why it is still interesting to read today. But equally important is another thing: to feel the spirit of this extraordinary and amazing northern country. Mary Mape Dodge's work is included in the extracurricular reading program for schoolchildren.
The books in this series contain introductory articles that will help prepare for literature lessons. They introduce the lives and works of writers, allow you to understand how they worked, what inspired them, and also give an idea of ​​​​their literary legacy.