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This is a quick video outlining differences between two copies of the first editions Wonderful Wizard of Oz that were printed in 1899. All reference points were taken from Bilbiographia Oziana. Both printing copies are available for sale from [ Ссылка ]

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz books were a phenomenon, and unrivaled in fame. The popularity of television shows and book series like Harry Potter have only a portion of the popularity the Oz books enjoyed, specifically because they were the main form of entertainment for children and adults alike. The original story was made famous a second time by the MGM movie in 1939, whose fame overshadowed that of the books, and which stays in the minds and hearts of America.

The story has become a classic because it blends elements of traditional magic, such as witches, with ones from early twentieth-century American reality, such as a Kansas cyclone, a scarecrow, and a man-made of tin. And, despite its many particularly American attributes, including a wizard from Omaha, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has universal appeal, demonstrated by numerous non-American translations and dramatizations.

"To a child who reads this book soon after she or he learns to read, this book represents magic – wonderful, pure, magnificent fairytale. However, when this book is being read or re-read by someone in his 30s the reader might, in fact, draw parallels between the US history and the political movements that might have been depicted in the book. Finally, when one re-reads the book at a mature age, with not only the benefit of life experience but also with the benefit of financial knowledge, one may begin to wonder whether there are parallels between the book and the national debt, need for reform, and the economy in general."

The first edition copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz published in Chicago in August of 1900 by Geo M.Hill Company. It should be noted that pre-publication/advance copies become available in May of 1900 with the name of Geo. M. Hill CO at the bottom of the spine in red color. Those pre-publication copies are known as "A" Binding.

It should be noted that there under two dozen copies printed in "A" binding. The earliest copies dated to May 1900. In May, Baum presented an unbound copy to his sister Mary Louis during a visit to Syracuse. The first bound copy dated May 23, 1900. One of the earliest copies is in the New York Public Library in the rare book section is a copy given by L.Frank Baum to his mother dated in June of 1900.

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