Rollo in Holland

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22972

Title

Rollo in Holland

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this educational travelogue, young Rollo journeys to Holland with his uncle George to explore the country's unique geography and culture. The narrative blends adventure with instruction, detailing the mechanics of windmills, canal systems, and daily life in a nation built upon water. With a tone of curiosity and wonder, the book offers young readers a factual and engaging look at Dutch customs, architecture, and the ingenuity required to live below sea level.

Summary up to 500 words

In Jacob Abbott's *Rollo in Holland*, the spirited young traveler Rollo and his uncle George embark on a journey to the Netherlands, driven by Rollo's desire to see canal skating in the winter. The narrative begins in London, where the pair debates the season before departing. Upon arriving in Rotterdam, they explore the city's unique geography, marveling at the massive dikes that protect the low-lying land from the sea. Abbott provides a detailed explanation of Dutch water management, contrasting the cost-effectiveness of windmills with steam engines. He notes that while steam engines require expensive fuel and skilled labor, windmills operate freely using the wind, turning themselves to face the breeze and reducing sails during storms. Although wind is unsteady, this is acceptable for pumping water, unlike in factories where consistent power is vital. The text highlights how the flat terrain makes canal construction easy, allowing farmers to use waterways for transport just as others use roads. Traveling by canal boat, Rollo and George navigate under bridges and past farms before taking a train to The Hague. There, they encounter the Parkman family and decide to join them for a day of sightseeing. The narrative emphasizes the verdant landscape, the prevalence of boats over roads, and the peculiar wooden shoes worn by locals. Throughout the journey, Rollo learns about Dutch geography, social customs, and the ingenuity required to adapt to an environment below sea level. The story concludes with the party arriving at the grand Hotel Belview in The Hague, situated near a park with deer and a canal. This arrival sets the stage for further exploration of the kingdom's palaces and parks, blending travelogue elements with practical lessons on engineering and geography.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22972.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22972.epub

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Categories

• Fiction
• Travel