L. Frank Baum

(1856-1919)

Lyman Frank Baum was an American author best known for his children's fantasy books, particularly The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  In addition to the 14 Oz books, Baum penned 41 other novels (not including four lost, unpublished novels) 83 short stories, over 200 poems and at least 42 scripts.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 though the 1939 adaptation of the first Oz book became a landmark of the 20th century cinema.  

Born and raised in Chittenango, New York* Baum moved west after an unsuccessful stint as a theatre producer and playwright.  He and his wife, Maud opened Baum's Bazaar in South Dakota where he edited and published a newspaper.  Eventually, they moved to Chicago where Baum worked as a newspaper reporter for the Evening Post and published children's literature, coming out with his first Oz book in 1900.  While continuing his writing, among his final projects he sought to establish a film studio focused on children's films in Los Angeles, California.

Baum's description of Kansas in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is based on his experiences in drought-ridden South Dakota. Baum and W.W. Denslow, illustrator (with whom he shared the copyright) published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to much critical acclaim and financial success.  The book was the best-selling children's book for two years after its initial publication. Baum went on to write 13 more novels based on the places and people of the Land of Oz.

* In 1978, librarian Clara Houck set out on a mission to acknowledge the history of the Village of Chittenango (outside Syracuse) as the birthplace of author, L. Frank Baum. Baum would go on to write the American fairy tale, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to the delight of children around the world.  Clara organized the very first celebration.