What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wonderful World of Oz: An Illustrated History of the American Classic
The wonderful world of Oz is a magical place—and has been for generations of Americans since L. Frank Baum penned his enduring classic in 1900. With the 1939 movie starring Judy Garland, Oz was forever woven into our culture. Over the course of the twentieth century, Oz continued to capture the hearts of the American people—as well as people all over the world.
This book documents that magical journey through beautiful photographs of the world’s largest collection of Oz memorabilia. Whether it’s first-edition covers, a munchkin costume, or the Wicked playbill, the iconic items on these pages tell the story of America’s most beloved fairy tale. Come over the rainbow and see why there truly is no place like Oz.
This book documents that magical journey through beautiful photographs of the world’s largest collection of Oz memorabilia. Whether it’s first-edition covers, a munchkin costume, or the Wicked playbill, the iconic items on these pages tell the story of America’s most beloved fairy tale. Come over the rainbow and see why there truly is no place like Oz.
- GenresHistory
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
27 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 29, 2020
A Short but Sweet History of All things Oz
This was an enjoyable historical overview of everything Oz which included numerous photos of Oz memorabilia such as books, toys and advertising art. L. Frank Baum's Oz creation continues to entertain in one form or another since THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ was first published in 1900. A fun, fast read!
This was an enjoyable historical overview of everything Oz which included numerous photos of Oz memorabilia such as books, toys and advertising art. L. Frank Baum's Oz creation continues to entertain in one form or another since THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ was first published in 1900. A fun, fast read!
April 2, 2018
Great pictures of a over a century of memorabilia and films.
June 2, 2024
All good "wish-Oz"! - and gratitude, John Fricke 2013 Smithsonian Institution
For Chloë! With many many thanks for finding your way to all of us here in Oz (and at Oz-tober-fest in Chittenango!) - and with major appreciation for the joy of your company and humor and laughter and heart. Here's to all 🎵 the dreams that you dare to dream 🎵 - and to good health, great happiness, and love. Warmest personal regards - John (Fricke) 6/4/23
---
I bought my signed copy of this book from the gift shop at the Smithsonian when I was 13 years old, after fulfilling my bucket-list goal of seeing the ruby slippers in person. I was an avid Oz collector at the time, and I vividly remember flipping through the pages in my hotel bed and then on the bus back home, feeling mesmerized by the craftsmanship and artistry on display in its pages.
I'm nearly 23 now, and I met the author, John Fricke, last summer. He was delightful and kind and happily re-signed the book he had mass-autographed by himself ten years before. The only word I can really describe the encounter with is special.
Re-reading the whole thing now felt just as stunning as it first did a decade ago. While I am much more weary of commercialism and merchandising than I was as a child, I have a far deeper appreciation for the rich history in these pages--both Oz's and my own.
For Chloë! With many many thanks for finding your way to all of us here in Oz (and at Oz-tober-fest in Chittenango!) - and with major appreciation for the joy of your company and humor and laughter and heart. Here's to all 🎵 the dreams that you dare to dream 🎵 - and to good health, great happiness, and love. Warmest personal regards - John (Fricke) 6/4/23
---
I bought my signed copy of this book from the gift shop at the Smithsonian when I was 13 years old, after fulfilling my bucket-list goal of seeing the ruby slippers in person. I was an avid Oz collector at the time, and I vividly remember flipping through the pages in my hotel bed and then on the bus back home, feeling mesmerized by the craftsmanship and artistry on display in its pages.
I'm nearly 23 now, and I met the author, John Fricke, last summer. He was delightful and kind and happily re-signed the book he had mass-autographed by himself ten years before. The only word I can really describe the encounter with is special.
Re-reading the whole thing now felt just as stunning as it first did a decade ago. While I am much more weary of commercialism and merchandising than I was as a child, I have a far deeper appreciation for the rich history in these pages--both Oz's and my own.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews