A complete and unabridged copy of the original story first published in 1900.

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Oz is one of the strangest worlds you will ever enter. The narrative voice in the first book of the Oz series has its flaws (far too many uses of "shall" and "for," a complete lack of contractions that makes for occasionally uncomfortable dialogue, and a similarity between the voices of the main heroes). That being said, it's a magical tour into a wonderful world of fantasy, horror and general weirdness that you won't soon forget.

Far too many people introduce themselves to this world through the MGM movie, and find the second portion of the plot to feel somewhat anticlimactic when they expect the story to end right after a failed balloon ride. Unfortunately, Wicked has added to unrealistic expectations by presenting a new version of the movie witch in book form. Those who have read the book know that in it tigers and bears are part of a chimerical amalgamation, the Wicked Witch of the West has a single binocular eye, flying apes aren't evil, scarecrows break the necks of violent crows, the emerald city isn't so emerald without glasses, silver slippers take you home, and kisses from a good witch protect you. The visit to the Wizard isn't the climax of the journey in the novel, it's simply a step along the path for each character to find their home. Further, there aren't just slippers, Munchkins, witches and wizards to contend with; there are golden caps, Winkies, Quadlings, Hammer Heads, mice kingdoms, wolves, bees and giant spiders, oh my!

If you are able, be sure to pick up an illustrated version of the book (like the Signet Classics edition). Baum is the American Louis Carroll. And, just as Carroll had John Tenniel, L. Frank Baum had W.W. Denslow to bring his characters to life in a visual medium

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Oz never pales. Always worth reading.

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We loved this book! Great to read aloud to the little ones.

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A cyclone hits, and Dorothy is whisked from the flat plains of Kansas to the colorful and exciting land of Oz! Dorothy must travel to the Emerald City to see the Wizard of Oz, for only he has the magical power to help her return home again. Along the way, she is joined by the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the cowardly Lion, who also seek the help of the Wizard's great magic.

The journey along the yellow brick road is filled with danger and adventure, but at last Dorothy and her friends meet the wonderful Wizard. But none of the four travelers' requests will be granted until the Wicked Witch of the West is destroyed.

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A classic!

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One of the true classics of American literature, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has stirred the imagination of young and old alike for over four generations. Originally published in 1900, it was the first truly American fairy tale, as Baum crafted a wonderful out of such familiar items as a cornfield scarecrow, a mechanical woodman, and a humbug wizard who used old-fashioned hokum to express that universal theme, "There's no place like home."
Follow the adventures of young Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, as their Kansas house is swept away by a cyclone and they find themselves in a strange land called Oz. Here she meets the Munchkins and joins the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion on an unforgettable journey to the Emerald City, where lives the all-powered Wizard of Oz.

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Different then the movie but just as good.

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An easy read, though I prefer un-adapted books.

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This is an old time favorite published by Penquin Popular CLassics about Dorothy and the tin man and alll her friends on their way to the Land of Oz.

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