Mary Mapes Dodge

1831–1905

1 standalone book

Mary Mapes Dodge was an American children's writer born in 1831 in Newark, New Jersey. She became the most famous children's book author of her time. Her father, James Jay Mapes, was a scientist who was well known in social circles, and Mapes Avenue in Newark was named after him. She married lawyer William Dodge at the age of 20, and the couple had two children. She was widowed at 28 and took on the responsibility of supporting her family. Dodge was the first editor of St. Nicholas magazine and contributed stories to it. Her stories were collected into books, including Baby Days (1876) and Baby World (1884). Another collection, Irvington Stories, was published in 1864. Her most famous work, Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates, was published in 1865 and remained widely read for a century. The 1932 edition was illustrated by N.C. Wyeth. She died in 1905.

Born

1831