L Frank Baum (1856-1919)

L Frank Baum was an American author, poet, playwright, actor and independent filmmaker, best known today as the creator, along with illustrator W. W. Denslow, of one of the most popular books in American children's literature, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. He wrote thirteen sequels, nine other fantasy novels, and a several of other works. He made numerous attempts to bring his works to the stage and screen.

In 1897, Baum wrote and published Mother Goose in Prose, a collection of Mother Goose rhymes written as prose stories, which allowed him to quit his door-to-door job. In 1899, Baum partnered with illustrator W. W. Denslow to publish Father Goose, a collection of nonsense poetry. The book was a success, becoming the best-selling children's book of the year.

In 1900, L Frank Baum published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to much critical acclaim and financial success. The book was the best-selling children's book for two years after its initial publication.