Customer Reviews

All Things Oz: The Wonder, Wit, and Wisdom of The Wizard of Oz

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Don't be fooled by its display. It may look big, but actually it's a small book (about the size of a Ladybird's Oz edition) with over 350 pages of Oz, collecting pictures and writings from the 1900 to (possibly) today! Not only does it have the American/British/English Oz, but also pictures from the Italian, Russian (now we get to see a few samples from the Russian translation), Bengali, Hungarian, Japanese, Latvian, Polish, Portuguese, Rumanian and Uzbek versions from the 'Wizard' and later Oz books by Baum. Now that I have this book, I really want to find and get the Italian "Il Mago di Oz' (by Raviola) book, the Russian "the Wizard of the Emerald City" book with illustrations (by L. Vladimirskov) and the comic-book adaptation. Of course, there are also many pages that involve the MGM and Stage versions of the story, as well as a few not-well-known versions, like 'On Ice' and 'Under Sea Ballet'. This book usually takes a half or full chapter from Baum's Oz books (Little Wizard Stories, Emerald City, Lost Princess, etc.) and many quotes from what the characters/author said in the stories, and also shows you lots of things (toys/figurines, book editions, games, accessories, displays, etc) which came from the books/movie. You will also see some pictures (and a bit of writing) from "Denslow's Scarecrow and Tin-man" and new coloured-in versions of the black-and-white Oz pictures, and (maybe) some NEW never-before-seen writing on Oz.
Unfortunately, nothing is really mentioned or pictured on The Wiz, the 1933 Wizard of Oz, and there are also, sadly, quite a few mistakes: (e.g.) this book takes two quotes from the Good Witch of the North in the 1st book (specifically, the civilised countries and Kiss of Protection) and INCORRECTLY states that GLINDA said it! Also, the index forgets to mention the origin of a few pages/pictures, gets a few pictures mixed-up with other authors/countries (e.g. there is a fantastic and new picture of the Scarecrow bowing down before the Lovely Lady form of the Wizard, and the index says that it was done by John R. Neill, but it doesn't look like his work nor could he have done such a thing) and many (if not all) of the pictures are either enlarged, made smaller or cut into a shape, so you won't get the full original picture, especially with some pictures you've never seen before.
But despite the small mistakes, this is an excellent book, and should be part of your Oz collection.

This is a delightful book! As a big Oz fan when I was a child, it was great to see all the characters and stories I grew up with come alive again. There are segments from pretty much all the Baum authored books (not the ones by other authors after his death), and great quotes dealing with all kinds of subjects pertinent to children and adults alike, such as intelligence, courage, etc. As an adult, I really enjoyed reading the "Other Voices" segments, where various people comment on Oz and 'what it means'. My favorite entry is the television summary of the 1939 movie by the Marin Independent Journal (p 72): "Transported to a surreal landscape, a young girl kills the first woman she meets, then teams up with three complete strangers to kill again." If that is not the ultimate in revisionism, I don't know what is. Entertaining and well worth reading.

Willard and Linda,
"All Things Oz" is just a beautiful book that covers the Oz Gambit. I love how you tied the passages from the books with the lovely rare collectibles. Fans will just be in awe when they see the magnitude of the collection.

The companion collectibles will make an elegant gift for the holidays. It is truly museum quality stock, and the recipient will feel like they are writing on stationery from a Four-Star Hotel. It's stunning and sweet!
My hat is off to both of you!
Bravo!
Elaine Willingham

OH MY GOSH ..... This book is FABULOUS! I just love it.
The pictures are beautiful, the stories fun, and the design is just well ... to die for! Timothy Shaner is a genius!

I purchased this as a prize for a Wizard of Oz evening event. It was a cute addition to a themed gift basket. It has pages of quotes and wisdom from the books - not the movie.

Editor Sunshine has provided a wonderful overview volume to the 14 volumes of Oz books written by L. Frank Baum. Each page contains an illustration from the collection of Willard Carroll, many appearing in print in the USA for the first time. So even Oz fanatics like me will find surprises throughout this book. To this graphic delight, Sunshine has selected passages both long and short from Baum's Oz writings that summarize many of the delightful aspects of his fantasy fairyland. Also included are sections called Other Voices where selected commentary on Baum's Oz writings are presented. She calls this collection a whirlwind tour. Between the many illustrations and the large print, this is a quick read, but a very enjoyable one.

It wasn't what I was looking for. I used a couple of quotes from it, though.

The book was in great condition and arrived quickly. It made a perfect gift! Thanks!

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