It's funny, I never saw OZ as a political novel. Baum wasn't that sort of person, as far as I can tell. He was a dreamer, who loved fairy tales and storytelling, acting and poetry. He was very unsuccessful as a businessman and did not seem to be political at all-he tried to run a luxury department store in the middle of a pioneer town. His books are filled with descriptions of gorgeous palaces, rich clothing, fine foods, royal balls. There is some cultural satire, but that's very different from anything in Wicked.
Baum wrote fairy tales because he read them, and wanted to tell them in his own way. He retold them to fit his American sensibilities and viewpoint, and because he liked nothing better than to share his imagination with children.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2004-03-01 11:31 am (UTC)Baum wrote fairy tales because he read them, and wanted to tell them in his own way. He retold them to fit his American sensibilities and viewpoint, and because he liked nothing better than to share his imagination with children.