The Wizard of Oz (Tor Classics) by L. Frank Baum Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Wizard of Oz (Tor Classics)
Book Review: A Classic Satire on the Populist Party
Summary: 5 Stars
Most people look at L. Frank Baum's classic novel as a simple children's story, but it has a deeper significance. Baum lived in the Great Plains of the American West during the Populist uprising of the 1890s, and the characters and events of the Wizard of Oz are based upon what he observed. For example, Dorothy represents the innocent midwesterner who must contend with the wild nature of the West (the Wicked Witch of the West) and the deceptive idea that all solutions can be found with money (following the path of gold, or the Yellow Brick Road). The Scarecrow represents American farmers, the Tin Woodsman represents American workers (his transformation from human to tin man represents industrial accidents), and the Cowardly Lion represents Populist presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan (a great orator but a pacifist, hence the cowardly lion). Following the path of gold leads Dorothy and her companions to the Emerald City, which represents Washington, DC, and the corrupt influence that money has on the city. The Wizard is the President of the U.S.--a weak and powerless humbug who nevertheless manages to convince the inocent Dorothy that it is he and not the moneyed special interests that control the land. Anyway, there is much more, but in the end Dorothy conquers nature (the Witch of the West), and with the help of the Silver Slippers (the Populist Party's Free Silver issue), finally finds her way home to truth and happiness. A wonderful book when read in the proper context.Book Review: The American FairyTale
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Wizard of Oz", in my opinion, is the American Fairytale, and is far more better than any Brother Grimms or Aesop Fables! As stated, the book is better than the movie, and, the Oz Book series has reached over 200 sequels, by dozens of authors! The Wizard of Oz has a wonderful moral in it that is true for all of us. It is, and always will be, my favorite story.Book Review: Great for Reading Aloud
Summary: 5 Stars
The book is very funny and different enough from the movie to be full of suprises. Wry humor and fantasy keeps adults interested so it is a great read-aloud. My children ages 4 to 7 loved this as a read-aloud.Book Review: A very imaginative book and a delight to read
Summary: 5 Stars
This story of Dorthoy and her dog Toto is great for everyone of any age. The story follows her adventures down the yellow brick road where she meets up with the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow. I recommend reading the book instead of seeing the movie for they are quite different. I read fast and you can't put it down. I read it while my sister watched the movie, I finished it before it was even over! The characters are unforgettable and to me the book is just as classic as the movie!Book Review: Buy this book, sit down with the kids, and ENJOY
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished reading this book to my five year old daughter, who thought it would be just like the movie. I, also, was new to the book, not having read it when I was a child. We were both in for a delightful surprise. This book is so much better than the movie, and not nearly as scary. My daughter was particularly enchanted with the beautiful pictures, both the sketches that appear throughout the book and the full color plates. Books of Wonder has done a tremendous job of restoring this series, we intend to read them all.