Few people can hear the title Wizard of Oz without having some specific memory from childhood pop up. The majority of these memories have to do with the 1939 movie done by Warner Bros. However, this masterpiece of film never would have been brought to the silver screen had it not been for the inventive genius of L. Frank Baum. L. Frank Baum first wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900. It was loved by so many that he continued on with 13 more Oz books to create a delightful series of this fantasy world. In addition, he also wrote several short stories and a few plays. Many people have taken to collecting either the original books or different editions of the books. If you had a grandmother or great-grandmother who liked to read, you might want to check your shelves for some of the originals. Many people familiar with the books may wonder a bit about the geography of Oz. The first map of Oz ever printed was at the end of the book Tik-Tok of Oz. Today's editions done by Wonder/HarperCollins include this map. They also leave in the incorrect compass rose with west and east switched. If you plan on reading more than one Oz book, you mind find it not only helpful, but amusing as well to keep that map at your side. L. Frank Baum didn't write his first Oz book until 19 years before his death. He was already married and had four sons. He had been telling stories of Oz to his family for years until finally, due to the encouragement from his mother-in-law, he finally wrote his first book. The rest is history. | 
