The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (AmazonClassics Edition)

Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) is known for his children's stories, most famously The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Born in Chittenango, New York, Baum had many business ventures that took him across the country. In fact, his description of Kansas in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is based on his experiences in South Dakota. He was also a passionate theater lover and wrote and performed in many plays.In 1900, Baum and illustrator W. W. Denslow published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to critical acclaim and success. Baum and Denslow adapted the bestselling children's book into a musical play, the first of its time. Baum went on to publish thirteen more Oz-themed books. While many scholars and historians have speculated that the Oz stories were really political commentary disguised as fairy tales, Baum always insisted that they were written for children.