Ozma of Oz

After the publication of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," in 1900, L. Frank Baum's young fans besieged him with letters begging him to continue documenting the adventures of Dorothy and her friends, so he put his pen to paper and more than a dozen sequels were created.In this third classic novel, Dorothy Gale is at sea, on a voyage to Australia, when a storm hits and she is swept overboard. Clinging desperately to a chicken coup, she and Billina, the chicken, wash up in the land of Oz. Taken prisoner by the evil Nome King, she struggles to escape, save her friends and return to her injured Uncle Henry back home.


About the Author
Lyman Frank Baum was born on May 15, 1856 in Chittenango, New York. He was educated at home until age twelve, when he was shipped off to the Peekskill Military Academy where he spent much of his time daydreaming. After only two years, he returned home and began writing. In 1882, Baum married Maud Gage, with whom he would spend the rest of his life. For a shot time, they opened a bazaar in the Dakota's, but his kindness at extending credit for items, caused the business to go bankrupt. In 1897, he published his first book, "Mother Goose in Prose," which was a moderate success and in 1899, he wrote "Father Goose, His Book," which was the best-selling children's book of that year. Baum wrote a total of fourteen "Oz" books, as well as a total of 59 novels including the "Aunt Jane" series under the name Edith Van Dyne, 83 short stories, and more than 200 poems. He also tried his hand at stage musicals and movies. He died from a stroke on May 6, 1919, just 9 days short of his 63rd birthday and a year before "Glinda of Oz" was published, leaving a legacy that would enchant generations.