From the Preface to the Boissevain Books Edition by Brigid Marlin
Gerrit
and the Organ is a delightful book on Holland set at the end of the
nineteenth century. With humor and skill Hilda van Stockum tells the
story of Gerrit, an orphan living with his grandfather. More than
anything Gerrit longs to be allowed to turn the wheel of a beautiful
organ, and let the music play. But Hans, the Organ-grinder is grumpy
and always refuses. Nevertheless, when Hans falls ill, Gerrit and his
friends set out to help Hans by taking the Organ to play in the streets
and thus earn money for his food and medicine. In following the story
we learn much about the history of Amsterdam and meet the Queen and
Princess of Holland, as well as following the exciting fortunes of
Gerrit and his friends.
First Released: 1943, Viking New Edition: Boissevain Books 2010