In 1900 L. Frank Baum published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and since then, the never-out-of-print book has spawned thirty-nine sequels, five silent movies, innumerable stage productions (the first in 1902), a radio series, countless animated cartoons, and perhaps the greatest MGM musical of all time. Translated into virtually every language on the planet, the story and characters have appeared on everything from peanut butter jars and lunch boxes to postage stamps and Christmas ornaments. There are more than 2,500 members of the Oz Club, and three times a year, conventions of Oz fans draw upwards of 75,000 visitors. Everything Oz is in such demand that merchandise rarely makes it past private collectors to flea markets or antique fairs.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a children's novel written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow. Originally published by the George M. Hill Company in Chicago on May 17, 1900, it has since been reprinted numerous times, most often under the name The Wizard of Oz, which is the name of both the popular 1902 Broadway musical and the well-known 1939 film adaptation. The story chronicles the adventures of a young girl named Dorothy Gale in the Land of Oz, after being swept away from her Kansas farm home in a cyclone.[nb 1] The novel is one of the best-known stories in American popular culture and has been widely translated. Its initial success, and the success of the 1902 Broadway musical which Baum adapted from his original story, led to Baum's writing thirteen more Oz books. The original book has been in the public domain in the US since 1956. Baum dedicated the book "to my good friend & comrade, My Wife," Maud Gage Baum. In January 1901, George M. Hill Company, the publisher, completed printing the first edition, which totaled 10,000 copies.
This is the second book in the Oz series by L. Frank Baum. First issued in 1904, L. Frank Baum's The Marvelous Land of Oz is the story of the wonderful adventures of the young boy named Tip as he travels throughout the many lands of Oz. Here he meets with our old friends the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman, as well as some new friends like Jack Pumpkinhead, the Wooden Sawhorse, the Highly Magnified Woggle-Bug, and the amazing Gump.
Since it was first introduced over a hundred years ago in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum's world of Oz has become one of the most enduring and beloved creations in children's literature. It has influenced numerous prominent writers and intellectuals, and become a lasting part of the culture itself. L. Frank Baum was born in 1856 in upstate New York, the seventh child of a very successful barrel-maker and later oil producer. However, Baum's own career path was a rocky one. Beginning as an actor, Baum tried working as a traveling salesman, the editor of a small town newspaper and the publisher of a trade journal on retailing, failing to distinguish himself in any occupation. His careers either failed to provide a sufficient living for his beloved wife Maud and their children or were so exhausting as to be debilitating. In the 1890's, L. Frank Baum took the advice of his mother-in-law, suffragist leader Matilda Gage, and turned his attention to trying to sell the stories he'd been telling to his sons and their friends. After a few children's books published with varying success, he published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900 and it quickly became a bestseller and has remained so ever since. In this first full-length adult biography of Baum, Rogers discusses some of the aspects that made his work unique and has likely contributed to Oz's long-lasting appeal, including Baum's early support of feminism and how it was reflected in his characters, his interest in Theosophy and how it took form in his books, and the celebration in his stories of traditional American values. Grounding his imaginative creations, particularly in his fourteen Oz books, in the reality of his day, Katharine M. Rogers explores the fascinating life and influences of America's greatest writer for children.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original Wizard of Oz tale, by L. Frank Baum, his great-grandson, Roger S. Baum has woven a tale of adventure and sentiment with lots of familiar faces -- from Glinda the Good Witch to Dorothy and Toto.
Celebrate the 100th birthday of a beloved American classic. From the moment it appeared in 1900, The Wizard of Oz sparked the imaginations of children and adults alike. The inhabitants of Oz have become an important part of American literary history. When Dorothy and her little dog Toto are suddenly swept from the plains of Kansas to the land of Oz, they meet up with some of the most endearing characters ever created, as well as one of the worst villains in children's literature. Together, Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion set off on a fantastic journey down the yellow brick road in search of the wonderful Wizard. To celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the publication of this classic American tale, Michael Hague re-illustrated the jacket, which, along with the book's cover, has been newly designed. The cover is now a three-piece case with gold foil stamps of Oz and the artist's signature on the front. Spot illustrations have been added to the redesigned front and back matter and a photograph of L. Frank Baum is now included, making this a lavish edition just right for gift givers or collectors.
“We’re off to see the Wizard! The wonderful Wizard of Oz!” In this gorgeously illustrated, classic hardcover edition of The Wizard of Oz, readers of all ages will follow the Yellow Brick Road. It’s an unforgettable and colorful journey that takes us from Dorothy’s gray Kansas home into the blue Munchkin land; the sparkling bejeweled Emerald City; the dark, foreboding forest; and the ruby-red throne room of Glinda the Good Witch. This Classic Edition of The Wizard of Oz is a must-have for every family's library and features: - A beautifully designed oversized padded lap board book - A child-friendly, abridged retelling that remains faithful to L. Frank Baum's original text - Lavish illustrations by renowned, New York Times #1 Bestselling artist Charles Santore, the critically-acclaimed illustrator of multiple classic tales, including The Night Before Christmas, The Velveteen Rabbit, The Classic Tale of Peter Rabbit, and Aesop's Fables The work of New York Times bestselling children’s book illustrator Charles Santore has been widely exhibited in museums and celebrated with recognitions such as the prestigious Hamilton King Award, the Society of Illustrators Award of Excellence, and the Original Art 2000 Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators. He is best known for his luminous interpretations of classic children’s stories, including The Little Mermaid, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Snow White, and more!
The first three books in the beloved Oz series, now available in paperback in a special boxed set just in time for the 100th anniversary of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
