L. Frank Baum

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L. Frank Baum

Lyman Frank Baum (May 15, 1856 – May 6, 1919) was an American author best known for his children's books, particularly The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its sequels. Baum wrote 14 novels in the Oz series, as well as 41 other novels, 83 short stories, over 200 poems, and at least 42 scripts. He made numerous attempts to bring his works to the stage and screen, the most famous being the 1939 film adaptation of The Wizard of Oz.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Baum was born in Chittenango, New York, into a wealthy family. His father, Benjamin Ward Baum, was a successful businessman who made a fortune in the oil industry. Baum was the seventh of nine children. He was a sickly child and was educated at home until the age of 12, when he was sent to Peekskill Military Academy. However, he found the strict regimen intolerable and was allowed to return home.

Career[edit | edit source]

Baum's early career included a variety of jobs, including acting, editing a newspaper, and managing a theater. His first book, Mother Goose in Prose, was published in 1897. It was followed by Father Goose: His Book in 1899, which was a commercial success.

The Oz Series[edit | edit source]

In 1900, Baum published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which was illustrated by W. W. Denslow. The book was a critical and commercial success, leading Baum to write 13 more Oz books. The series includes titles such as The Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz, and The Emerald City of Oz. Baum's Oz books have been adapted into numerous stage and screen productions, including the iconic 1939 film.

Other Works[edit | edit source]

In addition to the Oz series, Baum wrote many other books under various pseudonyms. These include the Aunt Jane's Nieces series under the name Edith Van Dyne, and the Flying Girl series under the name Floyd Akers. He also wrote several non-Oz fantasy novels, such as The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus and Queen Zixi of Ix.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Baum married Maud Gage in 1882, and they had four sons. Maud was the daughter of Matilda Joslyn Gage, a prominent suffragist, and she supported Baum's writing career. The family lived in various locations, including Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Chicago, Illinois.

Death and Legacy[edit | edit source]

Baum died on May 6, 1919, in Hollywood, California, from a stroke. He is buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Baum's works have had a lasting impact on American literature and popular culture. The Oz series, in particular, remains beloved by readers of all ages.