Published in 1900, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is L. Frank Baum's beloved American fairy tale following Dorothy Gale's magical journey from Kansas to the Land of Oz, where she meets unforgettable companions and discovers the power within herself.

L. Frank Baum wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz after years of telling stories to children, including his own sons. Published by the George M. Hill Company in Chicago with illustrations by W.W. Denslow, it became an immediate bestseller. The book was groundbreaking as the first truly American fairy tale, free from the European traditions that dominated children's literature. Baum went on to write 13 sequels, creating an entire Oz universe.

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Wuthering Heights; and Agnes Grey

by Ellis and Acton Bell

Author: Emily Brontë, Anne Brontë, and Charlotte Brontë

1850

Image: From the British Library collection

The Commercial Opportunity

Storytelling Potential:

• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz revolutionized American children's literature by creating a distinctly American fantasy world. Its themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the idea that we already possess what we seek have resonated for over a century. The story's influence extends far beyond literature into film, theater, and popular culture, with the 1939 MGM film becoming one of the most beloved movies of all time.

Immersive Concepts:

• Published in 1900 by George M. Hill Company
• Illustrated by W.W. Denslow with 24 color plates
• First truly American fairy tale, breaking from European traditions
• Spawned 13 official sequels by Baum and numerous adaptations
• The 1939 film adaptation became a cultural phenomenon
• Features iconic characters: Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion
• Explores themes of home, courage, heart, and wisdom