The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is as beloved today as it was back in 1900 when it was published. We're such big fans that we've created stunning wall art using the text of the book!
Whether you adore the film or the book (or both!), there's something about The Wizard of Oz that just captures the imagination. Are you a fan of Dorothy and her faithful friends? Read on for 5 fascinating facts about Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
1. Dorothy's shoes were silver, not red
Dorothy's ruby slippers are one of the most memorable items from the film, The Wizard of Oz, based on L. Frank Baum's novel. But in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Dorothy actually wears silver shoes. The reason for the color change was because filmmakers thought ruby shoes would look better in technicolor.
We feature both in our new The Wonderful Wizard of Oz art print! Depending on if you're a fan of the film or the book, you can choose a wall poster with either ruby or silver shoes.
2. Dorothy is named after Baum's niece
Right around the time Baum was writing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1898, his infant niece, Dorothy Gage, passed away. As a tribute to the baby girl, Baum decided to name his adventurous main character Dorothy Gale.
3. Baum framed the pencil he used to write it
It took Baum roughly a year to finish The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Upon completing the novel in 1899, Baum very proudly framed the pencil stub he'd used to write. On the paper attached to the frame was printed the words: "With this pencil I wrote the manuscript of The Emerald City."
4. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz sold out almost immediately
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz wasn't L. Frank Baum's first attempt at writing children's literature. By the time it was published, he'd already sold a few other successful titles. But, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was probably Baum's most popular, and remembered, work. It sold out in a mere two weeks and, of course, inspired one of the most iconic films of the time.
5. It's not the only one in the series
Although the film ends with Oz being merely a dream, in the books it's a real place that inspired multiple sequels. In total, Baum penned 15 Oz books. The series begins with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and in the following books goes on to relate different adventures and histories of the Land of Oz.
Are you a fan of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz? Which is your favorite literary fact? Share your thoughts in the comments below!