American Fairy Tales is a collection of short stories by L. Frank Baum, the author of the "Oz" series. The book includes twelve original fairy tales that are set in America and feature a range of memorable characters, from wicked witches to clever animals. One of the most well-known stories in the collection is "The Wizard of Oz," which tells the story of a young girl named Dorothy who is swept away to a magical land by a tornado. Other stories include "The Box of Robbers," which follows a group of robbers who are outwitted by a group of dolls, and "The Capture of Father Time," which tells the story of a group of children who capture Father Time in order to prolong their summer vacation. Another popular story is "The Girl Who Owned a Bear," which follows a young girl named Mary who inherits a bear from her grandfather. Despite warnings from her family, Mary and the bear become fast friends, and she soon discovers that the bear has magical powers that she can use to help those in need. Each of the stories in "American Fairy Tales" has its own unique charm and message, and together they create a whimsical and magical world that readers of all ages will enjoy. Baum's skillful storytelling and vivid descriptions bring the characters and settings to life, and the book remains a beloved classic of American literature.
L. Frank Baum (1856-1919) was an American author best known for his children's book "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," which has become a classic of American literature and inspired numerous adaptations in film, theater, and other media. Baum was born in New York state and grew up in a family that was involved in the theater. He worked as a salesman and newspaper editor before turning to writing, and published his first book, "Mother Goose in Prose," in 1897. Baum went on to write over 50 books, many of them for children. His Oz series of books, which began with "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" in 1900, are his most famous works. The Oz books are known for their fantastical characters and settings, as well as their underlying themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery. Baum continued to write Oz books until his death in 1919, and the series was later continued by other writers. Baum was also involved in various other endeavors during his life. He owned a theater company and was involved in early film production, and he also worked as a storekeeper, chicken farmer, and oil company executive at various points in his life. He was a supporter of women's rights and was involved in the suffrage movement, and he also wrote several non-fiction books on topics such as window display and stamp collecting. Baum passed away in 1919 at the age of 62. Despite his success as a writer, he struggled financially at times during his life, and his contributions to literature were not fully appreciated until after his death. However, his legacy lives on through his beloved Oz books, which continue to enchant readers of all ages.