A Guide to Baum's Oz Books: Part III
The best part: When the Tin Woodman has a conversation with his severed head.
Why you should read it: It’s a strange, funny love story that could only happen in the Land of Oz.
The Magic of Oz (1919)
With the help of a secret word and some illegal magic, a troublemaking Munchkin boy and Ruggedo, the old Nome King, plot to take over the Emerald City once and for all. Just as they’re hatching their plan, Dorothy and the Wizard journey deep into the Gillikin forests to find a birthday present for their friend Ozma and stumble upon the evil duo. Is the Wizard wise enough to save the Emerald City, find a present for Ozma, and rescue Trot and Cap’n Bill, who’ve managed to get stuck on an enchanted island? If you’ve read the other 12 books, then you know that, yes, of course he can.
The best part: When a gang of tiny monkeys teach the snobby Glass Cat a lesson.
Why you should read it: More Wizard, more Dorothy, more magic.
Glinda of Oz (1920)
In Baum’s final book, published after his death in May, 1919, Ozma and Dorothy set out on a journey across Oz, seeking to stop a war. The feuding parties? The Flatheads, who carry their brains with them in tin cans, and the Skeezers, who are ruled by a wicked queen. Ozma and Dorothy soon find themselves caught up in the feud and imprisoned in an underwater city made of glass. Luckily, Glinda learns of their trouble and sets off to rescue them, with some help from the familiar cast of Oz characters and three magic fish.
The best part: The bizarre encounter with the magical Red Reera.
Why you should read it: It’s Baum’s last visit to Oz, and some say one of his best.
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