The Annotated Wizard of Oz

Title: The Annotated Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Plot Summary: "The Annotated Wizard of Oz" is an annotated edition of L. Frank Baum's classic children's fantasy novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." The story follows Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who is transported to the magical land of Oz after a tornado strikes her farm. In Oz, she embarks on a journey to find her way home, accompanied by a Scarecrow who desires a brain, a Tin Woodman who seeks a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who wants courage.

Their journey takes them through various obstacles and encounters with the Wicked Witch of the West, who seeks to stop them from reaching the Wizard of Oz. Along the way, they meet various characters and experience different environments, including the Munchkin Country, the Yellow Brick Road, and the Emerald City.

The plot is rich in symbolism, with each character representing aspects of human nature: the Scarecrow symbolizes the common man's desire for knowledge, the Tin Woodman represents industry and mechanical life, and the Cowardly Lion symbolizes bravery and the soldier's spirit. The story also touches on themes of illusion and reality, as seen in the character of the Great Wizard of Oz, who is initially perceived as powerful but ultimately revealed to be a humbug.

Key Themes:

1. Symbolism: Each character in the story is a symbol of human qualities, such as the Scarecrow representing knowledge, the Tin Woodman representing industry, and the Cowardly Lion representing bravery.
2. Illusion vs. Reality: The story explores the difference between illusion and reality, particularly through the character of the Great Wizard of Oz.
3. Self-Discovery: The journey of the characters is also a metaphor for self-discovery, as they learn to find their own strengths and weaknesses.
4. Social Commentary: The book contains elements of social commentary, such as the treatment of Chinese immigrants during the gold rush in California, which inspired the Winkies and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Critical Reception: "The Annotated Wizard of Oz" has received positive reviews for its creative storytelling and rich symbolism. The annotated edition, edited by Michael Patrick Hearn, provides additional context and insights into the original text, making it a valuable resource for both new and old readers.

The book is praised for its engaging illustrations and its ability to appeal to readers of all ages. A reviewer on Goodreads noted that the illustrations throughout the book make the story even more interesting and that it is a perfect read for families.

However, some critics have noted that the only question that still lingers is why Dorothy's shoes are silver in the book but red in film and musical adaptations.

Publication Details: The annotated edition was published by W.W. Norton & Company on September 17, 2000. It contains 544 pages and is available in hardcover format with an ISBN of 9780393049923.