The Annotated Wizard of Oz (Centennial Edition)

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An updated version of the definitive guide, The Annotated Wizard of Oz provides a facsimile color version of the first edition of L. Frank Baum's children's classic along with extensive notes and a thorough history of the immense Oz project. In his excellent introduction, Michael Patrick Hearn describes the author's early life and interests and the development of his collaboration with W.W. Denslow, the original illustrator for his books.

An energetic and excitable fellow, Baum's devotion to make-believe began in his early 20s, when he joined a small touring theatrical troupe on the East Coast. Later attempts to run a general store and a newspaper in South Dakota (then the Wild West) failed miserably. Although few of his business ventures or artistic efforts had met with success, in 1897 Baum's "Father Goose" rhymes (designed and illustrated by Denslow) became a surprise bestseller, and Baum was able to buy his family a summer cottage on Lake Michigan, christened "The Sign of the Goose," for which he made most of the furniture (goose-themed, of course) and stenciled the walls with a frieze of green geese.

The idea for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, "a modern fairy tale," as he considered it, soon followed, and the book appeared in May 1900. The 10,000-copy first printing sold out in two weeks, and about 90,000 sold within the first year. Hearn goes on to describe the many books that followed, as well as the 1902 musical extravaganza The Wizard of Oz and Baum's subsequent, ill-starred attempts to depict the world of Oz on film. (He died long before the 1939 MGM musical made his fairy tale known around the globe.) In 1907, he told a reporter for the Grand Rapids Herald why he preferred young readers:

To write fairy stories for children, to amuse them, to divert restless children, sick children, to keep them out of mischief on rainy days, seems of greater importance than to write grown-up novels. Few of the popular novels last the year out, responding as they do to a certain psychological demand, characteristic of the time; whereas, a child's book is, comparatively speaking, the same always, since children are always the same kind of folks with the same needs to be satisfied.

Hearn has gone to great lengths in his notes to this facsimile of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, often referring to subsequent volumes in the series, slowly building a key to the rules and history of Oz, pointing out inconsistencies as well as hints to Baum's literary sources (such as Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress), and providing, among other delights, a mini-treatise on malevolent vegetation in Oz. This is an essential volume for the Oz aficionado or the student of children's literature, and a wonderful resource for parents of young readers. --Regina Marler

Book Description

A beloved classic comes to life with this beautifully illustrated annotated edition on the 100th anniversary of Oz. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is the quintessential American fairy tale, but also one of the most controversial children's books ever published. Michael Patrick Hearn, the world's leading Oz scholar, provides a spellbinding annotated edition that illuminates all of Oz's numerous contemporary references, provides fascinating character sources, and explains the actual meaning of the word "Oz." A facsimile of the rare 1900 first edition appears with the original drawings by W. W. Denslow--scrupulously reproduced to mimic their correct colors, using a different color for each region of Oz--as well as twenty-five previously unpublished illustrations. In addition, Hearn provides an extensive bibliography, compiling Baum's published work, every notable Oz edition, and the stage and motion-picture productions from 1939's The Wizard of Oz to the 1974 Broadway smash The Wiz. The result is a classic to rival Baum's own, and a book no family's library can do without. 90 black-and-white, 56 color, and two-color illustrations throughout.

Customer Reviews:

Still as great as when I was a kid.......2007-09-14

This is a wonderful story told by a master. The illustrations are just beautiful. I've been watching the film since I was five years old and have always loved it. Now I love the book.

Worth the Extra Money.......2007-08-26

This was actually the first edition of any Oz book I ever read, and I became a quick fan after reading this. I really enjoyed all the information included in this book. I liked finding out about Baum's inspirations and life while reading along - and I really liked that this was a reprint of the original edition, with all the original (and amazing) artwork.

If you like Oz, this worth owning, you will not be disappointed.

"...OH MY, YES!" a timeless classic, beautifully presented.......2007-07-19

This is the most beautiful presentation of any children's classic that I have ever seen in my 59 years (and I was in publishing for 42 of them).

No photograph can begin to show you how truly beautiful this grand old story's presentation here is. And, the annotations certainly add to a youngster's enjoyment. And, I would dare say, that by showing a child that there is further information here, that there is, too, for other books, etc., and encourages them to search further about a lot of things.

Everything about this book is simply wonderful. High quality throughout, deluxe binding, beautifully presented outside and inside both. There is no way a child would not be delighted and entertained many times over with this truly beautiful volume.

And, by the way, it is NOT just for Little Kids, some of Us Bigger Kids have purchased a copy for Ourselves, also! "OH MY!" ~operabruin

very favorable.......2007-05-21

Excellent as promised. A really nice edition, sure to be a collector's item.

as nice as it is.............2007-05-14

The annotations are very nice and it is titled The Annotated.... but the layout for the annotations really intrudes with the flow of the book itself. If these annotations could have been a bit more subtle this would be an absolute treasure to own. I have read a few books that are annotated, Dracula and Frankenstein and both of those books were paperback and the annotations were not so intrusive with the text of their respective novels. If someone has not read Wizard of Oz before this is not the version they should buy.

The Annotated Wizard of Oz (Centennial Edition)

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The Annotated Wizard of Oz (Centennial Edition)
L. Frank; Edited By: Hearn, Michael Patrick Baum
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KP2DQE

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The Annotated Wizard of OZ Centennial Edition
L. Frank (Hearn, Michael Patrick : Editor and Annotator) Baum
Manufacturer: NY W. W. Norton 2000.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J5HU5Y

Amazon.com

From New York Times bestselling author Orson Scott Card comes the finely crafted novel of Sarah, about a beautiful and courageous Jewish woman who changed the course of history through her faith, wisdom, and commitment to her husband, Abraham. As a man writing from a woman's perspective, Card nevertheless shows great perspicacity. Sarah's range of emotions is credible, including her fear as she pretends to be Abraham's sister in order to fool the Egyptian pharaoh Neb-Towi-Re, and her pain as she deals with her barrenness. Later, the kindness Sarah showers on Hagar, her personal handmaid, conflicts believably with her agonizing jealousy over her decision to let Abraham father a child with Hagar. Card's research for the book results in detailed descriptions that help make it memorable, from the practice of religion and styles of dress to the accounts of desert and city life. He succeeds in offering a memorable tale for both those who are interested in biblical women as part of their faith and readers who just enjoy a good story. --Cindy Crosby

Book Description

Sarai was a child of ten years, wise for her age but not yet a woman, when she first met Abram. He appeared before her in her father's house, filthy from the desert, tired and thirsty. But as the dirt of travel was washed from his body, the sight of him filled her heart. And when Abram promises Sarai to return in ten years to take her for his wife, her fate was sealed.Abram kept his promise, and Sarai kept hers they were wed, and so joined the royal house of Ur with the high priesthood of the Hebrews. So began a lifetime of great joy together, and greater peril: and with the blessing of their God, a great nation would be built around the core of their love.Bestselling author Orson Scott Card uses his fertile imagination, and uncanny insight into human nature, to tell the story of a unique woman--one who is beautiful, tough, smart, and resourceful in an era when women had little power, and are scarce in the historical record. Sarah, child of the desert, wife of Abraham, takes on vivid reality as a woman desirable to kings, a devoted wife, and a faithful follower of the God of Abraham, chosen to experience an incomparable miracle.

Customer Reviews:

LIFEGIVING STORYTELLING!.......2007-10-04

LIKE SO MANY WONDERFUL EVENTS THAT CAN BE HAD IN LIFE, THIS FINE BOOK IS A PART OF A SERIES!

THANKS TO MR. CARD'S CORE OF MYSTICISM THAT RUNS LIKE A VEIN OF GOLD THROUGH HIS WORKS, AND TO HIS COMPASSIONATE, LOVING AND DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF THE INNER WORKINGS OF WOMEN, THE STORY DOES COME ALIVE.

I AM INSPIRED TO DIG OLD MY OLD TESTAMENT AND REREAD THE STORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD.

WAITING IMPATIENTLY FOR THE FOURTH, ETC. IN THE SERIES.

Why did I doubt Card could handle this topic? :).......2007-07-05

He's done it again.

It's been a while since I've read anything by Card, but I'm happy to say his storytelling stills rings true. When I first saw this on a Borders bookshelf, I had my doubts. Quite frankly, I thought it was audacious of anyone to try and tell such a well-known Biblical story. After skimming it briefly, I bought the book out of sheer curiousity.

I was not disappointed.

Card tells a wonderful story, which as far as I'm concerned stays faithful to the essence of the Biblical tale. His characters are beautiful and sincere in their emotions and motivations. His story never really feels like a sermon to the reader. The plot is filled with political intrigue, betrayal, suspicion, and passion that the characters rendered ultimately feel like genuine people with very real and legitimate fears and doubts. And through it all, their faith is always apparent--in one way or another.

This was definitely an enjoyable read, which was unexpected.

A living saga of love, courage and everlasting faith.......2007-04-05

Prolific Science Fiction/Fantasy author puts his pen to the service of narratin the lives of the Hebrew Matriarchs in The Women of Genesis series. Here Card beautifully and sensitively narrates the story Sarah, filling in the gaps with consumate and imaginative skill.

Unlike some novels, such as Sarah by Marek Halter and The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant, where the women are portayed as worshiping idols and other gods, Sarah is shown as a strong women, devoted to the service of Yahweh since she was little, as are the other matriarchs in the Women of Genesis series.

In this account, Sarai was ten years old, a bright and inquisitive child, when she first met the desert nomad and priest of Yaweh, Abram, who had come to her house to negotiate the marriage of his cousin Lot to the to Sarai's wilful and selfish sister, Qira. Abram captures little Sarai's heart, and and seals her destiny by promising that he will come back and marry her, within ten years.

Sarai, a princes of the Royal House of Ur, is promised by her father as a priestes to Asherah, but renounces this future, and instead devotes her herself to the worship of the one living G-D Yahweh.

Her prayers are answered soon after she prays for Abram to be spared by the vengeance of an Egyptian official, Suwertu-an earthquake shakes Ur and Suwertu is killed.

Abram and Sarai are married in a union of love and faith, joining the Royal House of Ur to the high priesthood of the Hebrew Nation. The epic of love, faith and peril follows from Haran to Canaan to Egypt and back to Canaan, where Abram and his tribe settle in Hebron.
Card gives us an interesting perspective on Sarai and Abram's experiences in Egypt where she is passed off as Abram's sister, rather than his wife.
Sarai's great kindnes to her handmaiden who she is given in Egypt, the Arab slave-girl Hagar.
The wickedness of Sarai's sister and Lot's wife Qira and the destruction of Sodom and Gommorah, and Qira's death there- only Lot and two of his daughters survive.

Finally Hagar's birth of Ishmail and Hagar's newfound spite against Sarah. The miraculous birth in Sarah's old age of Isaac (after G-D's promise), and the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmail from Abraham's household after Ishmail's brutality to the little Isaac.

The narrative is told with sensitivity and prose. The slight deviations from the Biblical account do not in any way take away from the spirit of the Biblical narrative. I actually preferred the idea of Qira being killed by the flames and lava, rather than being literally turned into a pillar of salt.
The author's Biblical understanding is supplemented by his comprehensive study of Canaan, Ancient Egypt and the Ancient Near East. What results is a living saga of love, courage and everlasting faith.

The American Sarah?.......2006-11-20

I have to agree with the previous reviewer who found this novel lacking in cultural depth. The story was okay--if you like OSC's other stuff, you'll probably like the storytelling well enough--but I found myself annoyed throughout the book by the fact that the characters were not Middle Eastern, but American. Card, while ostensibly setting his tale in the Middle East of several thousand years ago, made no attempt to craft characters whose motivations and personalities might have been shaped by that place and time and culture. They all acted, to my mind, like 20th Century Americans, thus rendering the whole story unbelievable and silly to me. While I'm not a huge OSC fan in general, I prefer his sci-fi stuff, where he makes up the place and time and culture and then crafts characters to fit those circumstances. It's more believable to me.

Mind Opening.......2006-08-02

As a fan of Orson Scott Card and historical fiction, I picked up this book expecting just a good story. It is that and more! As a person of faith, I was so impressed at how Card brought these icons of Christian history to life - gave them thoughts, feelings, emotions that make them seem so much more tangible. Card told the story is way that honors scripture and historical documents and connects the pieces together to give the reader an exciting view of Sarah, Abraham & Lot as people, not just as biblical figures.

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Bible Women Come To Life
Disappointing
Lovely, Full of Comfort and Learned Wisdom

Sarah Laughed
Vanessa Ochs
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 007140290X

Book Description

Lessons and rituals from the women of the Bible, connecting contemporary women with their sacred stories

In this vivid collection, Judaic scholar Vanessa Ochs brings the legends of the biblical matriarchs to new life. Intimate, familiar, and wise, the heroines in Sarah Laughed are revealed to be inspiring role models for women today. From Eve's rebellious taste of wisdom to the righteous anger of Job's wife, each woman's story is retold in imaginative prose and accompanied by real-life rituals that you can perform at home, gaining insight into:

Finding inner wisdom
Speaking the true self
Being a good friend
Maintaining romantic partnerships
Raising a family
Letting go of children
Feeling blessed with a life well lived
And much more

Download Description

Lessons and rituals from the women of the Bible, connecting contemporary women with their sacred stories

In this vivid collection, Judaic scholar Vanessa Ochs brings the legends of the biblical matriarchs to new life. Intimate, familiar, and wise, the heroines in Sarah Laughed are revealed to be inspiring role models for women today. From Eves rebellious taste of wisdom to the righteous anger of Job's wife, each woman's story is retold in imaginative prose and accompanied by real-life rituals that you can perform at home, gaining insight into:

Finding inner wisdom
Speaking the true self
Being a good friend
Maintaining romantic partnerships
Raising a family
Letting go of children
Feeling blessed with a life well lived
And much more

Customer Reviews:

Bible Women Come To Life.......2006-03-08

I really enjoyed the characters in Sarah Laughed and some of these women are real characters! I like the format of each chapter beginning with the scripture reference, followed by a partially hypothetical story, then a personal account by the author and finally suggestions for real life. These womens' situations in life are not that different from our own. Very enjoyable and informative reading. As ususal Ms. Ochs has managed to bring reality to our spirituality.

Disappointing.......2005-09-13

Most of the stories in this book are about women being strong and independent. Eve, Miriam, even the Woman of Valor, the impossibly perfect woman. Then I got to the story of Esther. Instead of telling how she hid her identity and saved her people from destruction, Ochs has chosen to tell the tale of how she became the queen because of her beauty. I get that her point was that Esther had the ability to reflect the beauty of others, which is an admirable trait. But if Ochs wanted to depict a strong woman, she should have chosen a better part of Esther's tale. Instead, we're shown how beauty can get you everywhere. How about a trip to 2005, Ms. Ochs?

Lovely, Full of Comfort and Learned Wisdom.......2005-02-02

Vanessa Ochs has written a lovely book in which she fleshes out the stories of Old Testament women - stories that, very often, are short on detail and leave us with more questions than answers. In the process of filling in the gaps with imaginative and meditative narratives, Ochs supplies ideas on how modern women may use the lessons of our Old Testament forebearers to ease our souls, bodies and minds.

The book is divided into six sections, each addressing one aspect of modern womanhood - Being a Friend, Being a Parent, Living in a Woman's Body, and so on. Each section contains several chapters, each of which focuses on a single biblical woman. The opening chapter, in a section entitled Being Wise, focuses on Eve. The imaginative retelling of Eve's story (from Eve's perspective) following a modern-English version of a portion of the bible dealing with Eve, puts an interesting spin on the story and adds layers to what we assume we understood about the oft-blamed and misunderstood woman. A short essay (I'm tempted to call it a sermon) suggests ways in which we may hear echoes of Eve's story in our own lives - the ways in which we are misunderstood and blamed for the consequences of being too inquisitive, too adventurous and ignoring our own developing wisdom. Finally, we are invited to "Embrace the Gift of Eve" and Ochs offers suggestions for making the most of our abilities to explore and learn under our own volition and without apology. She recommends additional readings, rituals and even a recipe for apple cake to celebrate our existence as learning beings.

Other biblical woman receive similar nuanced tratement. Miriam, "The [Unnamed] Woman of Valor", Esther, the titular Sarah and even Job's wife are among those whose stories gain new relevance and interest under Och's able scholarship. No longer do women seem to hold a lesser place in the bible for Ochs fills in the blanks in their narratives and offers us valuable lessons for today and helps us learn their lessons - not just with our eyes and ears, but with our hearts.

Ancient Sisterhood: Lost Traditions Of Hagar & Sarah

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an interesting feminist perspective on biblical matriarchs
Should make everybody equally happy

Ancient Sisterhood: Lost Traditions Of Hagar & Sarah
Savina J. Teubal
Manufacturer: Swallow Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Feminist Theory | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0804010013

Customer Reviews:

an interesting feminist perspective on biblical matriarchs.......2000-06-15

This book is also known as HAGAR THE EGYPTIAN. Since there wasn't a good explanation of this book on this page, I am adding the following. Teubal, an independent biblical scholar in her seventies, may be best known for her development of the Jewish ritual of Simchat Hochmah, Celebrating the Wisdom of Age, something like a bar/bat mitvah for those who reach their Golden and Platinum years. In this scholarly feminist study of the Genesis stories of Sarah and Hagar, she explores the matriarchal tradition in the Bible, which may have been covered over by succeeding patriarchal traditions. Sarah and Hagar are given an identity other than just being sleeping partners of Abraham. She also explores what the female led religious traditions were. This may be of interest to those seeking to create female-led rituals or New Moon ceremonies. Who was Hagar, the matriarch for Ishmaelic peoples and Islam? Was she a slave to Abraham and Sarah? Was she an empowered desert figure? Was she a gift to Sarah from a Pharaoah from their sojourn in Egypt? Was she a lady-in-waiting to Sarah, who was actually a priestess? What was the custom of surrogate motherhood in the Ancient Near East? These are some of the issues explored by Teubal

Should make everybody equally happy.......1999-07-13

The author's premise should make everyone equally happy since she makes Isaac the son of Abimelech, Ishael the son of an unknown father and mother, Hagar the mother of an unknown child, and Ketubah's children the only named children of Abraham.

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An important perspective that adds balance.

The Women of Genesis
Sharon, Pace Jeansonne
Manufacturer: Augsburg Fortress Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 080062419X

Customer Reviews:

An important perspective that adds balance........1998-07-14

This is a must read for any student or teacher of the book of Genesis. Genesis is viewed from the perspective of the important matriarchs of the faith. Practical applications are easy for the reader to make.

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A Beautiful Book, Beautifully Read

Sarah (Women of Genesis (Forge))
Orson Scott Card
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Customer Reviews:

A Beautiful Book, Beautifully Read.......2005-09-07

This audiobook is beautiful to listen to on many levels.

First and foremost, Orson Scott Card's indomitable writing style is just as vivid and powerful as any he uses in his science fiction. The main character is admirable, while still being flawed enough you can identify with her.

While in someways the character of Sarah's husband is idealized, especially early on in the work, perhaps this isn't a flaw so much as evidence of conforming to the technique of third person limited perspective that would limit the narration to echo Sarah's viewpoint.

Also, Gabrielle De Cuir gives her reading a sensous, emotional and vivacious flair that allows her narration a constant attention-grabbing quality.

Last of all, my greatest doubt about buying the mp3 version was totally put to rest. While often mp3 versions of audiobooks seem to suffer an appreciable loss of quality in comparison to traditional CD audiobooks, no such quality deficit is apparent. Gabrielle's read, Orson Scott Card's afterword and the musical motifs are crisp and clear.

Regardless of your religious background, this is an engrossing piece of Biblical fiction. If you have a difference of opinion, fact and belief, than, perhaps best of all, this audiobook becomes an opportunity to revisit your own beliefs and scriptures.

After all, any reason to open the Bible with open eyes and an open mind is a good one.

Sarah: A Woman Whose Dream Came True (Outstanding Women of the Bible Series)

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Sarah: A Woman Whose Dream Came True (Outstanding Women of the Bible Series)

Manufacturer: Eerdmans Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0802850154

Women of Genesis: Sarah (Uncorrected Excerpt only)

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Women of Genesis: Sarah (Uncorrected Excerpt only)
Orson Scott Card
Manufacturer: Shadow Mountain
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TYHELU

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Sarah: Women of Genesis (Unabridged)
Orson Scott Card
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000CMNI3W

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Sarah: Women of Genesis

Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 1417684224

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