The Real Wizard of Oz

The Life and Times of L. Frank Baum

By: Rebecca Loncraine

Narrated by: Brooke Heldman

Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

A captivating biography of the eccentric author, filmmaker, and innovator, L. Frank Baum. Enchanting generations of fans, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, first published in 1900, was written by a man whose life was nearly as adventurous as his heroine Dorothy's legendary trip. Ambitious and always drawn to the unconventional, L. Frank Baum was not just the author of more than sixty books; he was at the forefront of moving picture technology and championed women's rights.

A unique celebration of Baum's life, The Real Wizard of Oz explores the eventful times in which Baum lived (1856-1919), which influenced nearly every aspect of the Oz tales - from the Civil War to Hollywood (which was emerging as a mecca for creative hopefuls) to the gulf between America's heartland, with its tornado alleys and its cities teeming with "Tin Man" factory workers. Baum, who died in 1919, two decades before MGM re-created his vision in eye-popping Technicolor, was a remarkable entrepreneur. He also developed the story for Broadway and created The Oz Film Manufacturing Company, convinced that he had found the perfect medium for children's stories - an audacious idea that made him a laughingstock among film distributors. Capturing the origins of an enterprise that continues to reach lucrative new heights - most recently with the smash success of Wicked - this audio book is a lively tour of a fascinating era and its most intriguing storyteller.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2010 Rebecca Loncraine (P)2014 Oasis Audio

Fills gap of what most of us do not know

I listened for information, not entertainment. I got a lot. One reviewer did not like the frequency of "may", but I found the historical milieu quite interesting. Very few history courses discuss much about the life in the world in which LFB grew up. Childhood death, seances, Theosophy, ghosts etc - things I actually learned about in same-era British literature studies - this was an eye opener for me in American literature. The incredible number of adventures of Baum the entrepreneur was also something that I had only known a hint of. I can use his stage/cinema experiences in my film-studies classes.

While book series are all the rage today, it seems that Baum was dragged into it kicking & screaming and yet loving every second of this MIddle Earth sized "unexpected journey".

Good book

Great background to the stories of Mr. Baum.
The voice changes by the reader were very distracting, and unnecessary as it is known who is being quoted or read from. Had the performer been the voice of the book, instead of the characters, this would've been a great listen.

A Real Disappointment

Would you try another book from Rebecca Loncraine and/or Brooke Heldman?

No. The story was boring and lacked any real information. Lots of conjecture and no substance. Tired of hearing "he may have,.."Plus, the narrator was really distracting and annoying. She read every line with the same intensity whether it was mundane or important. It made it sound like something special or important was going to happen and it never did.

Has The Real Wizard of Oz turned you off from other books in this genre?

no

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Absolutely

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment, anger and feeling like it was a waste of time. It never got better after hours of listening

Any additional comments?

Refund please!