The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

By: L. Frank Baum

Narrated by: Anne Hathaway

Length: 3 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Nominee, Solo Narration - Female, 2013

One of the best-known stories in American culture, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has stirred the imagination of young and old alike for over 100 years. Academy Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married, Alice in Wonderland, The Dark Knight Rises) lends her voice to this uniquely American fairy tale.

Follow the adventures of young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as they get swept away into the magical land of Oz , where they encounter characters and places you may remember from the movie - and several more that never made it to the big screen - on an unforgettable journey to the Emerald City.

“It’s such a wonderful book and I was so happy to be a part of bringing it to life”, Ms. Hathaway said. “There are a lot of great voices in it. The more fun you have with it, the sillier and the more free you get with it, the better it is because it’s a story that can handle it. It’s amazing to be able to discover something new about something you feel you know so well.”

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Public Domain (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Anne Hathaway is nothing short of masterful in her narration of Baum’s beloved classic.... As narrator, she is lithe yet precise; her voice sounds lilting or emphatic, as the story details require. In character, she is spectacular. Each character is filled with personality - a light-voiced Witch of the North; a brusque soldier at Oz’s palace; a monotone, robot-like Oz; and a usually cheerful and genuine Dorothy. The variety enriches the listening experience. Yes, one may know the story well, but Hathaway makes this recording a definitive one.” (AudioFile)

Best narrator quite a performance

Anne Hathaway brings talent and star power to her performance and it is masterful. You know what they say, the book is always better than the movie and in this case they are right.

It is a classic

It’s one of the few times I can say, I prefer the movie to the book.

Magical Adventure More Special on Audio

When a young girl from Kansas and her faithful dog Toto get taken up inside the house in a cyclone, but come down in a magical land, fantastic adventure awaits her. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a book I have yet to acquaint myself with though I have seen the movie adaption oh so many times. It was a treat to put my earbuds in and listen to talented Anne Hathaway narrate this beloved children's classic that so happens to dazzle adults, too.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was written in 1900 and was only the first in a series, but it works splendidly as a standalone story.

I know movie scripts have to alter originals for various reasons, but yes, there were some fascinating differences in the story including backdrop stories for each of Dorothy's traveling companions- Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, and Cowardly Lion, new encounters along the way to the Emerald City, the quest the wizard sent them on, the story behind the flying monkeys, backdrop story for the wizard, and a whole slew of encounters after the visit to the Emerald City. So much richer a tale as a result.

The story was more novella length, but it swept me into a magical place and back to childhood. I hope I encounter more adventures in the Oz series at some point. And, yes, I hope Anne Hathaway continues to delight with her spirited voice work.

Ms Hathaway has incredible talent.

Anne was wonderful to listen too. She was a delight as all characters. It was a fun story and kept my 10 yr old boys interested.

Outstanding performance by Anne Hathaway

The Wizard of Oz is a classic in the public domain since 1957, so there are a multitude of recordings to choose from. This one is my favorite, as Anne Hathaway does a splendid rendition of the multiple characters. I laughed at her imperious Queen of the Field Mice, which can be heard in the sample. If it tickles your fancy too, this is the recording for you.

Well done, Annie

My daughter and I had a ball when we listened, in prep for watching a local play of the wizard. Hathaway's unique voices for each character kept us delighted (we still remind each other to wear 'the thpectacles.'). Thanks for the gratis book, Audible.

Masterpiece made by Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway's narrative is incredible! It's amazing how unique and interesting she makes each character's voice.

Wonderfully narrated

Anne Hathaway did such an amazing job capturing the timeless story and it’s characters perfectly!

A++++

I listened to this on car rides around town with my 2 & 4 yr olds. My older girl loved it! I was surprised at her comprehension too. I probably enjoyed it more than her lol.

Wonderful

Thought Anne Hathaway was great. And of course the story is classic. All my kiddos enjoyed it.