The Wonderful Wizard of Oz | About the Author

Considered the creator of the first American fairy tale, Lyman Frank Baum was born at Chittenango, New York, near Syracuse, on May 15, 1856. His parents, Benjamin Ward and Cynthia (Stanton) Baum, were wealthy because of the family's oil business. These financial resources enabled Baum to follow many of his dreams throughout his life. His mother prompted women's rights, which would influence how Baum later portrayed strong female protagonists. Throughout his life, Baum suffered a heart ailment which limited his physical activities and resulted in his being introspective and developing his...

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