Story perspectives

Today in History: First copies of Baum's Wizard of Oz printed

5/17/2026

48 9

Summary

Story summary

On May 17, 1900, L. Frank Baum’s debut Oz novel, illustrated by W. W. Denslow, left the press in its first edition. The book introduced Kansas farm girl Dorothy and her dog Toto, who are whisked to the Land of Oz by a cyclone and must defeat the Wicked Witch of the West to return home.

1 of 1

Story summary

On May 17, 1900, L. Frank Baum’s debut Oz novel, illustrated by W. W. Denslow, left the press in its first edition. The book introduced Kansas farm girl Dorothy and her dog Toto, who are whisked to the Land of Oz by a cyclone and must defeat the Wicked Witch of the West to return home.