Profile of the Day: L. Frank Baum
Do you love the story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz? Author L. Frank Baum was born on May 15, 1856 in Chittenango, New York.
Image: L. Frank Baum / Library of Congress
A popular writer, Baum is best remembered for his story of Dorothy and her dog Toto and their adventure home after a tornado transports them to the magical land of Oz. First published on May 17, 1900, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was a commercial and critical success. In 1902, Baum adapted his story into a Broadway musical. Its positive reception, coupled with the success of his book, led the Baum to write 13 more Oz books.
Since its initial publication, the story of the Wizard of Oz has been adapted several times, including the much beloved Judy Garland film The Wizard of Oz.