The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ is one of the most beloved books of all time, originally published by L. Frank Baum in 1900. The book spawned thirteen sequels and a 1939 film starring Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale. Set initially in Kansas, the story follows the adventures of young Dorothy Gale, who is blown in a tornado to the mythical land of Oz. There she must travel the yellow-brick road to the Emerald City, finding companions like the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman, and the Cowardly Lion along the way to ask the Wizard of Oz for help in getting back home to Kansas. All the while Dorothy and her friends are dogged by the Wicked Witch of the West, who seeks the return of her Silver Shoes (Ruby Slippers in the film version). Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) was an American writer of children's books, including THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ and thirteen sequels. In addition to his Oz books, Baum wrote dozens of other books and short stories, often set in mythical lands.