Gregory Maguire

 

Easton Press Gregory Maguire books

Wicked - Signed Limited Edition - 2007

Son of a Witch - Signed Modern Classic - 2008

After Alice - Signed First Edition - 2015

 

 

Author Gregory Maguire

Gregory Maguire, born on June 9, 1954, is a contemporary American author renowned for his imaginative retellings of classic fairy tales and his knack for subverting traditional narratives. His literary works often delve into the darker and more complex aspects of beloved stories, inviting readers to reconsider familiar tales from fresh perspectives. Maguire was born and raised in Albany, New York, where he developed an early passion for literature and storytelling. His fascination with the power of imagination and the nuances of human nature would later become central themes in his writing. After completing his undergraduate studies at the State University of New York at Albany, Maguire pursued further education, obtaining a Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Tufts University. Throughout his academic and professional career, Maguire displayed a keen interest in children's literature and the ways in which stories shape our understanding of the world. This fascination culminated in his decision to pursue a career as an author, with a focus on reimagining classic tales for contemporary audiences.

 

In 1995, Maguire achieved widespread acclaim with the publication of his novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Inspired by L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Wicked offers a revisionist take on the iconic story, exploring the backstory of the enigmatic Wicked Witch of the West, named Elphaba, and presenting Oz as a politically charged and morally complex world. The novel's success catapulted Maguire to literary stardom, spawning a Broadway musical adaptation and solidifying his reputation as a master of literary reinvention. Following the success of Wicked, Maguire continued to explore familiar fairy tales from new angles, releasing a series of novels that reimagined stories such as Cinderella (Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister), Snow White (Mirror Mirror), and The Nutcracker (Hiddensee). His works are characterized by their lush prose, intricate world-building, and profound exploration of themes such as identity, power, and redemption.

 

The Wicked Series by Gregory Maguire is a captivating collection of novels that reimagines the classic story of The Wizard of Oz from a fresh and thought-provoking perspective. Gregory Maguire's series consists of several interconnected novels, each exploring different characters and aspects of the richly imagined world of Oz.

 

The Wicked series books in order are:

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995)
Son of a Witch (2005)
A Lion Among Men (2008)
Out of Oz (2011)

Throughout the Wicked Series, Gregory Maguire showcases his talent for reimagining familiar stories with depth, complexity, and a touch of whimsy. From its iconic characters to its richly imagined world, the series invites readers to explore the timeless themes and universal truths that lie at the heart of the land of Oz. With its captivating storytelling and thought-provoking exploration of morality and identity, the Wicked Series continues to captivate audiences and inspire imaginations around the world.

In addition to his novels for adults, Maguire has also authored several children's books, including the Hamlet Chronicles series and Leaping Beauty: And Other Animal Fairy Tales. His writing for younger audiences maintains the same blend of whimsy and depth that defines his work for adults, making him a beloved figure in children's literature as well.

Beyond his accomplishments as an author, Maguire is also a dedicated advocate for literacy and education. He has spoken at numerous schools and libraries, emphasizing the importance of reading and creative expression in fostering empathy and critical thinking skills. Gregory Maguire's body of work stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the boundless possibilities of the imagination. By breathing new life into familiar tales, he invites readers to journey into fantastical worlds where the lines between good and evil blur and the true nature of humanity is laid bare. Through his literary creations, Maguire continues to inspire generations of readers to see the world with fresh eyes and to embrace the magic that lies within the pages of a book.

 

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

Wicked is a seminal work of fiction penned by Gregory Maguire, first published in 1995. This novel reimagines the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz from a radically different perspective, offering readers a provocative and intricate exploration of the origins and motivations of one of literature's most iconic villains. Set in the magical land of Oz, Wicked transports readers to a world where animals can talk, magic is real, and political intrigue simmers beneath the surface of everyday life. At its heart is Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who would later become known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Born with an unusual appearance and a fierce intellect, Elphaba grapples with questions of identity, belonging, and morality from a young age.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Oz's tumultuous political landscape, with tensions brewing between the tyrannical Wizard and the marginalized citizens of the land, including talking animals and sentient beings made of straw and tin. As Elphaba grows older, she becomes increasingly disillusioned with the Wizard's oppressive regime and finds herself drawn to the cause of the downtrodden. Central to the novel is Elphaba's complex relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, whose privileged upbringing stands in stark contrast to Elphaba's own experiences of ostracism and discrimination. Despite their differences, the two women form an unlikely friendship, navigating the treacherous waters of love, betrayal, and forgiveness in a world where nothing is as it seems.

Maguire's storytelling is characterized by its lush prose, richly imagined world-building, and incisive exploration of themes such as power, prejudice, and the nature of evil. Through Elphaba's journey, readers are invited to question their assumptions about morality and to consider the ways in which society shapes our perceptions of good and evil.

Wicked received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, garnering praise for its bold reimagining of a beloved classic and its thought-provoking commentary on contemporary issues. The novel's success led to adaptations in various forms, including a hit Broadway musical that further cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon. More than two decades after its initial publication, Wicked continues to captivate readers with its timeless tale of friendship, redemption, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. Through his inventive storytelling and nuanced characterization, Gregory Maguire invites readers to journey into the heart of Oz and to discover the truth behind the legend of the Wicked Witch of the West.

 

Son of a Witch - The Wicked Years Book 2

Son of a Witch is a captivating novel written by Gregory Maguire, published in 2005 as a sequel to his acclaimed work Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. In this continuation of the saga set in the fantastical land of Oz, Maguire explores new dimensions of the richly imagined world he first introduced to readers a decade earlier. The narrative of Son of a Witch centers around Liir, a young man with mysterious origins who may or may not be the son of the infamous Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Liir finds himself thrust into a world of political turmoil and personal discovery as he navigates the aftermath of Elphaba's death and grapples with questions about his own identity.

Set against the backdrop of a divided and increasingly authoritarian Oz, the novel delves into themes of power, justice, and the search for belonging. As Liir embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about his parentage and his place in the world, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, including old friends and new allies, each with their own motivations and secrets. Maguire's storytelling is characterized by its intricate plotting, vivid imagery, and lyrical prose. Through Liir's journey, readers are drawn deeper into the complex tapestry of Oz, where nothing is as it seems and alliances shift like the sands of the desert.

Son of a Witch received praise for its imaginative world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking exploration of themes such as identity and redemption. Building on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the novel expands the scope of the Oz universe while retaining the elements that made Wicked a beloved classic. The success of Son of a Witch further solidified Gregory Maguire's reputation as a master of literary reinvention, capable of breathing new life into familiar stories and characters. The novel's impact extended beyond the page, inspiring discussions and debates about the nature of good and evil, the power of storytelling, and the enduring appeal of the land of Oz.

As readers journey alongside Liir through the enchanted realms of Oz, they are reminded of the timeless truths and universal themes that lie at the heart of Maguire's storytelling. Son of a Witch stands as a testament to the enduring power of imagination and the boundless possibilities of fiction, inviting readers to explore new worlds and discover the magic that lies within.

 

After Alice

After Alice is a captivating novel published in 2015. Known for his imaginative retellings of classic stories, Maguire once again showcases his talent for reimagining beloved tales with this enchanting narrative that serves as both a homage to and a departure from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

The story of After Alice unfolds in Victorian England, following the adventures of Ada Boyce, a young girl who embarks on a journey to find her friend Alice, who has disappeared down the rabbit hole into Wonderland. As Ada navigates the whimsical and often perplexing landscape of Wonderland, she encounters a colorful cast of characters, including the enigmatic White Rabbit, the eccentric Mad Hatter, and the fearsome Queen of Hearts. Meanwhile, back in the real world, Ada's older sister, Lydia, grapples with her own challenges and desires, exploring themes of identity, independence, and societal expectations. Through alternating perspectives, Maguire weaves together a tale that seamlessly transitions between the fantastical realm of Wonderland and the mundane realities of Victorian England.

Maguire's writing is characterized by its wit, charm, and keen attention to detail. Drawing inspiration from Carroll's original work, he creates a vivid and immersive world filled with wordplay, riddles, and surreal imagery. Yet, "After Alice" is more than a mere homage; it is a reimagining that breathes new life into familiar characters and themes, offering fresh insights and perspectives on the timeless tale of Alice's adventures. The novel received praise for its inventive storytelling, clever reinterpretation of classic characters, and exploration of deeper themes beneath the surface of whimsy. With After Alice, Maguire invites readers to reconsider the nature of reality and imagination, and to embrace the magic that lies within the pages of a book.

Through Ada's journey, readers are reminded of the power of friendship, curiosity, and the transformative potential of storytelling. After Alice stands as a tribute to the enduring appeal of Carroll's iconic masterpiece and the limitless possibilities of the imagination. As readers follow Ada down the rabbit hole and into the heart of Wonderland, they are transported to a world where anything is possible, and where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur into delightful confusion.

Gregory Maguire books in order

The Lightning Time (1978)
The Daughter of the Moon (1980)
I Feel Like the Morning Star (1989)
The Good Liar (1991)
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995)
Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister (1999)
Lost (2001)
Mirror Mirror (2003)
Son of a Witch (2005)
Seven Spiders Spinning (2008)
A Lion Among Men (2008)
What-the-Dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy (2007)
Making Mischief: A Maurice Sendak Appreciation (2009)
Matchless: A Christmas Story (2009)
Out of Oz (2011)
The Next Queen of Heaven (2010)
Egg & Spoon (2014)
After Alice (2015)
Hiddensee: A Tale of the Once and Future Nutcracker (2017)
The Animal That Drank Up Sound (2019)