Mary Elizabeth Mapes Dodge (1831–1905) was an American children’s author and editor, best known for Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates (1865,) a classic of children’s literature. A pioneer in juvenile publishing, she shaped young readers’ literary landscape.
Born in New York City, she was the daughter of scientist and inventor James Jay Mapes. After her husband’s sudden death (1858,) she turned to writing to support her family, publishing Irvington Stories (1864,) a collection of children’s tales. Hans Brinker was translated into multiple languages and won a prize from the French Academy.
In 1873, Dodge became the founding editor of St. Nicholas Magazine, an influential children’s publication featuring contributions from Mark Twain, Louisa May Alcott, Rudyard Kipling, and Robert Louis Stevenson. She also wrote Rhymes and Jingles (1874,) Theophilus and Others (1876,) Donald and Dorothy (1883,) and When Life Is Young (1894.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Mary Mapes Dodge
What a dreadful thing it must be to have a dull father.
—Mary Mapes Dodge
Topics: Fathers, Father
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