Product Overview
The beloved tale of Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge is available in these two interesting volumes. Both are published by Grosset & Dunlap, and appear to be identical. The exception being one was printed ca. 1945-48, and the other around 1984.
The 1948 version has sepia toned illustration throughout the text, whereas the 1984 version has black illustrations. Both volumes feature several full-page color illustrations that are quite vibrant. Both have brilliant blue end papers, and the page block is colored blue (more vibrant in the modern version, faded in the vintage volume). The 1984 edition comes with a plastic slip case, that is in pretty rough condition, but it has done its job and protected the book within. There are some slight tears on a few inside pages of the modern edition, as if the book got caught on equipment (see photo)
If you collect the Illustrated Junior Library editions, this is a great find. The tale of "Hans Brinker", or The Silver Skates: A Story of Life in Holland by Mary Mapes Dodge takes place in the Netherlands and is a colorful fictional portrait of early 19th-century Dutch life, as well as a tale of youthful honor. The book's title refers to the beautiful silver skates to be awarded to the winner of the ice-skating race Hans Brinker hopes to enter.
