Books

Second edition, second state, but the first Bobbs-Merrill printing of Baum's first book in the Oz series, originally published by George M. Hill as "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" in 1900. Square 8vo (8 3/4 x 6 5/8 inches). 259, (2) pp. Color illustrations throughout, including 16 plates. Signed by the author "Very Sincerely Yrs / L. Frank Baum" on a front endpaper. "As the early Bobbs-Merrill printings have substantially the same setting of text as the Hill printings, they are technically part of the same edition. For clarity, however, we have retained the traditional usage 'second edition.' G. Thomas Tanselle whom we cite in the introduction, suggests such printing created from earlier plates but by a new publisher should be considered 'sub-editions.' In which case, this is the first 'sub edition'" (Douglas Greene & Martin and Martin, Haff & David Green "Bibliographia Oziana"; International Wizard of Oz Club, 1988, pp. 28-31). Fine copy in a lovely new binding. In a new design binding: emerald morocco, gilt, the upper cover with an illustration of Dorothy's house being swept up by the tornado (taken from an illustration at the beginning of the first chapter), gilt rules and title between raised bands on the spine, all edges gilt, by the Chelsea Bindery. (9789).

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a children's novel written by L. Frank Baum. It tells the story of Dorothy, a young farm girl who is whisked away to the magical Land of Oz by a tornado. Alongside her dog Toto, she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodman, and a Cowardly Lion, and they journey together to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz. Along the way, they face various challenges and the wicked Witch of the West. Dorothy's goal is to return home to Kansas, and she eventually discovers that the power to do so has been with her all along. The story is celebrated for its vivid imagery, and the underlying message that true bravery, love, and intelligence come from within.