The Magic of Oz

L. Frank Baum

Feb 2014 · Harper Collins

About this ebook

This is the thirteenth Land of Oz book, published shortly after the author’s death and dedicated to “the Children of our Soldiers, the Americans and their Allies, with unmeasured Pride and Affection.” In this story, the Munchkin boy Kiki Aru finds magic instructions hidden by his father, Bini Aru. The former Nome King Ruggedo, seeking vengeance against the Emerald City, allies himself with Kiki in order to conquer Oz. They play havoc with their magic, but eventually the Wizard prevails. And Ozma’s birthday is celebrated; she’s given the gift of a magical flower, obtained at great effort from an unusual island.

About the author

American author L. Frank Baum is best known for the enduring Oz series, including The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its thirteen sequels. Baum also penned numerous fantasy novels and other works such as American Fairy Tales, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, and The Enchanted Island of Yew under his own name and many pseudonyms including Edith Van Dyne, Susanne Metcalf, Laura Bancroft, and Floyd Akers. Baum’s prose focused on what he believed children are most interested in, and his works are remarkable for their lack of romantic plot. Baum also predicted future inventions such as television, augmented reality, laptop computers, wireless telephones, and advertising on clothing. His works, particularly the Oz books, have been an inspiration for many fantasy novels and have been widely adapted for film and stage. Baum died in 1919, nine days short of his 63rd birthday.