Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates was written by Mary Mapes Dodge in 1865. It is the story of a Dutch boy and his family and friends as they strive to overcome economic and personal hardships in early 19th Century Netherlands. The novel’s title refers to the silver skates to be awarded to winner of the ice-skating race Hans is determined to enter.

This eBook edition is illustrated by French illustrator Théophile Schuler (1821-1878). His etchings were used to illustrate the 1899 edition.