The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum. Every child knows about Santa Claus, the jolly man who brings gifts to all on Christmas. There are many stories that tell of his life, but the delightful version relayed in The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is by far the most charming and original of all. Only L. Frank Baum, the man who created the wonderful land of Oz, could have told Santa's tale in such rich and imaginative detail.
This fully annotated volume collects three of Baum's fourteen Oz novels in which he developed his utopian vision and which garnered an immense and loyal following. The Wizard of Oz (1900) introduces Dorothy, who arrives from Kansas and meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion, and a host of other characters. The Emerald City of Oz (1910) finds Dorothy, Aunt Em, and Uncle Henry coming to Oz just as the wicked Nome King is plotting to conquer its people. In Baum's final novel, Glinda of Oz (1920), Dorothy and Princess Ozma try to prevent a battle between the Skeezers and the Flatheads. Tapping into a deeply rooted desire in himself and his loyal readers to live in a peaceful country which values the sharing of talents and gifts, Baum's imaginative creation, like all great utopian literature, holds out the possibility for change. Also included is a selection of the original illustrations by W. W. Denslow and John R. Neill. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
One of five beloved Christmas classics A Merry Christmas collects the treasured holiday tales of Louisa May Alcott, from the dearly familiar Yuletide benevolence of Marmee and her “little women” to the timeless “What Love Can Do,” wherein the residents of a boarding house come together to make a lovely Christmas for two poor girls. Wildly popular at the time of their publication—readers deluged Alcott with letters demanding sequels—and drawing on Alcott’s family and experiences in the abolitionist and women’s suffrage movements, these stories have the authentic texture and detail of Christmas in nineteenth-century America, while their emphasis on generosity and charity make them timeless embodiments of the Christmas spirit. Penguin Christmas Classics Give the gift of literature this Christmas. Penguin Christmas Classics honor the power of literature to keep on giving through the ages. The five volumes in the series are not only our most beloved Christmas tales, they also have given us much of what we love about the holiday itself. A Christmas Carol revived in Victorian England such Christmas hallmarks as the Christmas tree, holiday cards, and caroling. The Yuletide yarns of Anthony Trollope popularized throughout the British Empire and around the world the trappings of Christmas in London. The holiday tales of Louisa May Alcott shaped the ideal of an American Christmas. The Night Before Christmas brought forth some of our earliest Christmas traditions as passed down through folk tales. And The Nutcracker inspired the most famous ballet in history, one seen by millions in the twilight of every year. Collect all five Penguin Christmas Classics: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Christmas at Thompson Hall: And Other Christmas Stories by Anthony Trollope A Merry Christmas: And Other Christmas Stories by Louisa May Alcott The Night Before Christmas by Nikolai Gogol The Nutcracker by E. T. A. Hoffmann
Lyman Frank Baum (May 15, 1856 - May 6, 1919), better known by his pen name L. Frank Baum, was an American author chiefly known for his children's books, particularly The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. He wrote thirteen novel sequels, nine other fantasy novels, and a host of other works (55 novels in total, plus four "lost works", 83 short stories, over 200 poems, an unknown number of scripts, and many miscellaneous writings), and made numerous attempts to bring his works to the stage and screen. His works anticipated such century-later commonplaces as television, augmented reality, laptop computers (The Master Key), wireless telephones (Tik-Tok of Oz), women in high risk, action-heavy occupations (Mary Louise in the Country), and the ubiquity of advertising on clothing (Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work).
"The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" by Lyman Frank Baum, the acclaimed author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," is a heartwarming and imaginative tale that delves into the origins and escapades of one of the most beloved figures in holiday lore: Santa Claus. This enchanting book weaves a rich tapestry of fantasy and folklore, bringing to life the story of an orphan boy named Claus who grows up in the magical Forest of Burzee among immortals and mythical creatures. Baum's narrative explores how Claus, with his innate kindness and love for children, becomes the iconic Santa Claus, dedicating his life to bringing joy to children all over the world. The story takes readers on a captivating journey, detailing how Claus invents the toys, why he delivers them on Christmas Eve, and how he comes to be known as Santa Claus. Full of wonder, "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" is a spellbinding read that captures the spirit of Christmas in an original and exciting way. Baum's vivid imagination and storytelling prowess shine through every page, creating a world where fantasy and reality blend seamlessly. From thrilling battles with evil creatures to the heartwarming moments of Claus spreading cheer, the book is a treasure trove of adventures that enthrall and delight. Ideal for readers young and old, this book is a festive treat that rekindles the magic of Santa Claus. It’s a timeless classic that reveals the endearing backstory of the jolly old man in the red suit, making it a perfect addition to any holiday reading list. "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" is more than just a Christmas story; it's a fantastical journey that celebrates the joy of giving and the power of kindness. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lyman Frank Baum, born on May 15, 1856, in New York, and passed away on May 6, 1919, was an American author, best known for his enduring classic, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." A man of diverse talents and interests, Baum tried his hand at various professions before finding his true calling in writing. He began his literary career with children's books and then ventured into playwriting and journalism. "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," published in 1900, marked a turning point in Baum's life and American children's literature. This magical tale, rich in imagination and filled with memorable characters, such as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, captivated readers worldwide. Baum's vision of a fantastical land, combined with his ability to weave an engaging narrative, cemented his status as a master storyteller. Baum wrote numerous sequels to "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and several other novels and short stories, often exploring fantasy and fairy tales. His works are celebrated for their creativity, sense of adventure, and the underlying themes of courage, heart, and wisdom. Baum's legacy continues to enchant readers and inspire adaptations in various forms of media, making him an iconic figure in children's literature.
In this full-color volume of cartoons, Michael G. Ploog has adapted the story of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum, creator of the beloved Wizard of Oz series. Ploog tells Baum1s story in his words and with his own unique comic illustrations. This book will appeal to young people and adults alike.
Once, so long ago our great-grandfathers could scarcely have heard it mentioned, there lived within the great Forest of Burzee a wood-nymph named Necile. She was closely related to the mighty Queen Zurline, and her home was beneath the shade of a widespreading oak. Once every year, on Budding Day, when the trees put forth their new buds, Necile held the Golden Chalice of Ak to the lips of the Queen, who drank therefrom to the prosperity of the Forest. So you see she was a nymph of some importance, and, moreover, it is said she was highly regarded because of her beauty and grace. When she was created she could not have told; Queen Zurline could not have told; the great Ak himself could not have told. It was long ago when the world was new and nymphs were needed to guard the forests and to minister to the wants of the young trees. Then, on some day not remembered, Necile sprang into being; radiant, lovely, straight and slim as the sapling she was created to guard. Her hair was the color that lines a chestnut-bur; her eyes were blue in the sunlight and purple in the shade; her cheeks bloomed with the faint pink that edges the clouds at sunset; her lips were full red, pouting and sweet. For costume she adopted oak-leaf green; all the wood-nymphs dress in that color and know no other so desirable. Her dainty feet were sandal-clad, while her head remained bare of covering other than her silken tresses.
A striking picture book adaptation for ages 6 up of L. Frank Baum’s classic children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, about the magical journey of Dorothy Gale, her dog, Toto, and her faithful friends to the Emerald City. No child’s library is complete without this enchanting fantasy with its enduring themes of loyalty, resourcefulness, courage, and unforgettable characters, such as the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Wicked Witch of the West. First published in the year 1900, the complete novel is one of the best-known original fairy tales in American popular culture.