L. Frank Baum
L. Frank Baum (1856-1919) was an American author, best known for creating The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, one of the most beloved children's stories in American history. His magical land of Oz, with its yellow brick road and colourful characters, has enchanted readers and viewers for over a century.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz follows a Kansas farm girl named Dorothy, swept by a cyclone to the fairyland of Oz, who journeys to the Emerald City with the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion. Baum went on to write thirteen more Oz books, creating a rich, whimsical fantasy world that he intended as a distinctly American fairy tale.
A restless dreamer who tried many careers before finding success as a writer, Baum filled his stories with warmth, humour, and imagination, and his Oz became a permanent part of popular culture.
Our editions present his magical tales clearly. Read the opening free, and read or listen with a membership.
L. Frank Baum in the library · 4 works
Sky Island
soon
The Marvelous Land of Oz
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Audiobooks by L. Frank Baum
Every L. Frank Baum title in the library is also a complete, professionally produced audiobook — 4 audiobooks in total. Members listen free on any device. Browse the audiobook library →
Frequently asked questions about L. Frank Baum
What did L. Frank Baum write?
Baum is famous for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its thirteen sequels, including The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz. He also wrote other children's fantasies and, under pen names, various other books. The Oz series is his enduring and most beloved work.
What is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz about?
A young girl named Dorothy is carried by a cyclone from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. To find her way home, she follows the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to ask the mysterious Wizard for help, joined by a Scarecrow who wants a brain, a Tin Woodman who wants a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who wants courage. It is a warm, imaginative fairy tale of friendship and self-discovery.
Is the book different from the famous movie?
Yes, in many ways. The classic 1939 film changed and simplified much of Baum's story — for example, Dorothy's slippers are silver in the book, not ruby, and the land of Oz is treated as real rather than a dream. The original novel is richer and stranger, and its many sequels open up a whole world the film never explored.
Where should I start with L. Frank Baum?
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is the obvious and best starting point — the original and most famous story. If you enjoy it, the sequels continue the adventures in the land of Oz with new characters and journeys. The first book stands perfectly on its own.
How many Oz books did Baum write?
Baum wrote fourteen Oz novels in total, beginning with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900 and continuing until his death. After he died, other authors carried the series on for many more volumes. His own fourteen books form the heart of the Oz world.
When did L. Frank Baum live?
Baum lived from 1856 to 1919. He published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900, after trying many other careers, and wrote Oz and other children's books for the rest of his life. His creation became one of the most enduring fantasies in American culture.
Where can I read L. Frank Baum for free?
Baum's Oz books are in the public domain and freely available. Older editions keep the original text and illustrations. Here you can read the opening free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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