L. Frank Baum

The late nineteenth century was a simpler time, emotionally. Sensitive boys like Lyman Frank Baum, the future author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, were not given Adderall to sharpen their focus or Lexapro to soften it. Often they were simply packed off to vigorous military schools for the stiffening that was thought necessary for young gentlemen. We read this in the Spiked review of Finding Oz: How L. Frank Baum Discovered the Great American Story, by Evan I. Schwartz. Who was Baum, and what, if any, hidden meanings are behind Oz? We tend to concur with those who simply think that he was writing stories for kids. Find out more here.