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THE MERRY LAND OF OZ
In 1900 when the world was smaller, L. Frank
Baum wrote and self published the first children’s
tale of Dorothy in the Land of Oz. Titled The
Wonderful Wizard of Oz,
the novel was so well accepted that Baum went
on to issue thirteen more adventures of the world
of Oz with major publishers, until his death in
1919. The publishers, unwilling to disappoint
their audience, found Ruth Plumly Thompson, who
continued the series for twelve more books. Her
stories were very close to Baum’s in their style
and content. It is one of the few times that another
author has been able to pick up and continue a
series with great audience acceptance.
The appeal of Oz is so great even now, after
over 100 years of being published, that publishers
are bringing new books about Oz. University Press
of Kansas recently released a new
edition of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
with a new introduction by Ray Bradbury and illustrations
by Michael McCurdy.
The interest and fascination with Oz continues to
live on with a biography by the mother/daughter
writing team of Angelica Shirley Carpenter and Jean
Shirley, in the book L.
Frank Baum: Royal Historian of Oz (Learner
Publications $15.95 144 pages). The authors, who
are lifelong fans, delve into the world of Baum,
revealing little known facts about the man and the
series of novels he wrote. They also expose how
the first novel came to the screen and the relationship
Baum had with illustrator John R. Neill, whose work
graces the pages of this book as well. They also
tell how Ruth Plumbly Thompson was chosen to carry
on the Oz tales and the censorship the novels have
encountered through the years. L. Frank Baum
Royal Historian of Oz is a charming memoir
that reads like the Oz novels and can be enjoyed
by any age fan of the classic fantasy tales.
To celebrate Oz numerous other books have come
out about the movie and many facets of its making.
And some of the companies have re-released the
original books by Baum and Thompson.
Del Rey Publishers brought back 26 books by both
authors. Geared to children, they are really books
that adults can enjoy just as much, for different
reasons. Also in these editions are the original
charming illustrations by John R. Neill. All of
the Oz stories are delightful fantasy tales for
any age to enjoy.
The Emerald City Press has continued tales of
Oz with many new authors and titles. They have
also re-released Lucky
Bucky in Oz by John R. Neill. Their address
is the following: Books
of Wonder 132 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
212 989-3475.
The
Wizard of Oz: the Screenplay, edited
and with an introduction by Michael Patrick Hearn
(Delta Books $9.95)—before one reads the
complete, uncut screenplay of the movie, Hearn
tells some of the details leading up to the making
of the picture. The dramatization differs a bit
from the film because there are several scenes
that were not used, which Hearn also explains.
This is the first time the original script has
ever been put into book form.
To go along with the preceding book is The
Making of the Wizard of Oz by Aljean
Harmetz, with an introduction by Margaret Hamilton
(The Wicked Witch of the West in the film) (Delta
$9.95). This is the complete behind-the-scenes
account of the preparations for filming of the
picture.
There is still another, this one a coffee table
book, titled The
Wizard of Oz: The Official 50th Anniversary Pictorial
History (Warner $29.95). There are color
pictures of the cast and related aspects of the
movie lavished throughout this grand book. Some
of the history of the Oz world is also provided.
Another interesting volume is The
Ruby Slippers of Oz by Rhys Thomas (Tale
Weaver Press $14.99) Thomas has written an in-depth
narrative about the many pairs of red shoes used
in the film and also ones made to commemorate
the 50th anniversary celebration. The author traces
each pair from its creation. He follows the trail
of mystery and intrigue to the present owners;
at an auction one of the pair drew over $165,000
according to Thomas. Hack Haley, Jr. (son of the
Tin Woodsman of the film) and Ozma Baum Mantele
also provide opening remarks about the ruby slippers.
Another part of this book is the appendix, which
gives the asking price of some of the movie props
and other things Hollywood has auctioned off.
The Ruby Slippers of Oz is sure to please
any Oz collector or trivia buff who now can answer
the question: How many pairs of Dorothy’s Ruby
Slippers are there?
And there is the lavish book by William Carroll
with John Fricke titled 100
Years of Oz (Stewart Tabore Chang $29.95).
The authors look over the 100 years and show how
Oz has become a part of our culture. They cover
the many books, movies plays, and so much more
in a very extravagant collection that delves further
than anyone ever has into the Oz universe.
There is of course another dimension to the Oz
story. In 1900 Baum brought the novel to the stage
and later tried to have a film made. Now a 1939
classic with Judy Garland as Dorothy, the film
is over 70 years old. Most recently the movie
has been re-released in Blue Ray and High Definition
with lots of extras no fan should miss.
Oz fans will enjoy any or all of these fine books
and movies. |
