L. Frank Baum

L. Frank Baum (1856–1919) was born in the village of Chittenango, New York. His first children’s book, a collection of nursery rhymes, was published in 1897, and he wrote many more books for children under his own name and various pseudonyms. He is best known for his books about the magical Land of Oz. The first, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was published in 1900 and was an instant hit – followed by thirteen sequels! Baum was an unstoppable creative force, pouring his energy and fortunes into his writing, and producing many theatrical and film adaptations of his works.