Easton Press L. Frank Baum books
Franklin Library L. Frank Baum books
L. Frank Baum biography
Lyman Frank Baum, known as L. Frank Baum, was an American author best remembered for creating one of the most beloved and enduring children's classics, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Born on May 15, 1856, in Chittenango, New York, Baum's imaginative storytelling and contributions to children's literature have made a lasting impact. Baum's early years were touched by both the ordinary and the extraordinary. Raised in a family that blended German heritage with American dreams, young Frank found solace in the world of books and tales spun by his mother. The fantastical stories, coupled with his father's entrepreneurial spirit, laid the foundation for a narrative journey that would eventually lead to the creation of one of the most beloved children's stories in literary history.Baum's early career saw him involved in various ventures, including theater, newspaper editing, and retail. His fascination with storytelling, folklore, and fantasy laid the groundwork for his later literary endeavors. In 1900, he published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a fantastical tale set in the magical land of Oz. The story follows Dorothy, a young girl swept away to a vibrant and whimsical world, where she encounters iconic characters such as the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. The narrative of Oz was more than just a story; it was a kaleidoscope of imagination and allegory. Baum's creation spoke to the dreams, fears, and aspirations of a nation on the cusp of a new century. The Scarecrow embodied the yearning for intelligence, the Tin Woodman the desire for a compassionate heart, and the Cowardly Lion the quest for courage. Dorothy, with her ruby slippers and homespun innocence, became the timeless guide for readers traversing the landscapes of their own dreams.
Baum's subsequent Oz books, including The Marvelous Land of Oz (1904) and Ozma of Oz (1907), expanded the narrative tapestry, introducing new characters and enchanting realms. The Emerald City, the Wicked Witch of the West, and the magical inhabitants of Oz became fixtures of literary lore, captivating readers young and old. Yet, the story of L. Frank Baum extended beyond the confines of Oz. He explored diverse genres, writing novels, short stories, and plays under various pseudonyms. His narrative ventures included the Aunt Jane's Nieces series, the fantastical adventures of Trot and Cap'n Bill, and the exploration of unconventional themes in works like The Master Key (1901) and The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (1902).
The success of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz led Baum to write numerous sequels, creating an Oz series that captivated generations of readers. His storytelling prowess extended beyond Oz, encompassing various genres and styles, from fantasy to adventure and even non-fiction. Baum's commitment to children's literature was evident not only in his writing but also in his advocacy for the importance of imaginative literature for young minds. His belief in the value of storytelling and creativity influenced his contributions to children's education.
The closing chapters of Baum's life were marked by a legacy secure in the hearts of readers. The Wizard of Oz became an enduring symbol in popular culture, adapted into stage productions, films, and countless spin-offs. Despite financial setbacks and the challenges of the times, Baum's commitment to the enchantment of storytelling remained unwavering. The Land of Oz, with its emerald allure and fantastical inhabitants, endures as a testament to the enduring power of imagination. Baum's narrative, like a twister that lifts readers into the boundless skies of fantasy, remains a beacon for those who dare to dream and believe that somewhere over the rainbow, magic awaits.
In addition to his literary achievements, L. Frank Baum was involved in theater production, film, and other creative pursuits. He founded the Oz Film Manufacturing Company in 1914, intending to bring his stories to the big screen, although the venture was short-lived. L. Frank Baum passed away on May 6, 1919, in Hollywood, California, leaving behind a rich literary legacy. The Oz series, with its enchanting characters and magical landscapes, continues to captivate readers of all ages. Baum's imaginative storytelling, commitment to the world of Oz, and influence on the development of children's literature have secured his place as a cherished figure in literary history.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Come along, Toto, she said. We will go to the Emerald City and ask the Great Oz how to get back to Kansas again.Swept away from her home in Kansas by a tornado, Dorothy and her dog Toto find themselves stranded in the fantastical Land of Oz. As instructed by the Good Witch of the North and the Munchkins, Dorothy sets off on the yellow brick road to try and find her way to the Emerald City and the Wizard of Oz, who can help her get home. With her companions the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy experiences an adventure full of friendship, magic and danger. A much-loved children's classic, The Wizard of Oz continues to delight readers young and old with its enchanting tale of witches, flying monkeys and silver shoes.
Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz - The Wizard of Oz Book 4
When Dorothy recovered her senses they were still falling, but not so fast. The top of the buggy caught the air like a parachute or an umbrella filled with wind, and held them back so that they floated downward with a gentle motion that was not so very disagreeable to bear. The worst thing was their terror of reaching the bottom of this great crack in the earth, and the natural fear that sudden death was about to overtake them at any moment.
Ozma of Oz - The Wizard of Oz Book 3
Readers of all ages will welcome the chance to be reunited with Dorothy Gale and such beloved characters as the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion, as well as to meet new favorites such as the Hungry Tiger, whose appetite is never satisfied; Princess Langwidere, who has thirty heads; Billina, a talking chicken; and Tiktok, a mechanical man.
Blown overboard while sailing with her uncle, Dorothy finds herself in the fairy realm of Ev. She sets out with her friends to rescue the Queen of Ev and her ten children, who have been imprisoned by the cruel Nome King. But even Ozma, the wise Ruler of Oz, is no match for the clever king, and it's up to Dorothy to save everyone from terrible danger. But will the Nome King's enchantments be too much even for the plucky little girl from Kansas?
The Marvelous Land of Oz - The Wizard of Oz Book 2
Few fantasy lands have captured our hearts and imaginations as has the marvelous land of Oz. For over four generations, children and adults alike have reveled in the magical adventures of its beloved folk. Now, for the first time in over seventy years, the second book about Oz is presented here in the same deluxe format as the rare first edition, complete with all 16 of the original John R. Neill color plates, its colorful pictorial binding, and the many black-and-white illustrations that bring it to joyous life.
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. How they thwart the wicked plans of the evil witch Mombi and overcome the rebellion of General Jinjur and her army of young women is a tale as exciting and endearing today as it was when first published over eighty years ago.
The Road to Oz - The Wizard of Oz Book 5
The Emerald City of Oz - The Wizard of Oz Book 6
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
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.L. Frank Baum quotes
"There is no place like home."
"Everything has to come to an end, sometime."
"The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid."
"A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others."
"No thief, however skillful, can rob one of knowledge, and that is why knowledge is the best and safest treasure to acquire."
"Imagination has brought mankind through the dark ages to its present state of civilization. Imagination led Columbus to discover America. Imagination led Franklin to discover electricity."
"I believe that dreams day dreams, you know, with your eyes wide open and your brain machinery whizzing — are likely to lead to the betterment of the world."
"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!"
"I have learned to regard fame as a will-o-the-wisp which, when caught, is not worth the possession; but to please a child is a sweet and lovely thing that warms one's heart and brings its own reward."
"Never give up. No one knows what's going to happen next."
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