The Wonderful Wizard of Oz | Literary Criticism & Book Review

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Critical Overview

When The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published in 1900, it immediately caught the attention of readers and critics. Baum had already enjoyed success with a previous children's book, Father Goose: His Book, so the release of Baum's new book was much anticipated. There were a few critics who dismissed the book as lacking style and real substance, and, over the years, the book has come under scrutiny by certain religious groups for its inclusion of witches and magic. Still, the novel continues to be regarded as a classic of children's literature.

What set The Wonderful Wizard of Oz apart from other children's books was its imaginative story line, its elaborate illustrations (created by W. W. Denslow), its characterization, and its departure from the typical style of children's writing. In a 1900 review, a critic writes in the New York Times Saturday Review of Books and Art that the...
(read more)