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L. Frank Baum

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.