BAUM, L. Frank. "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" Chicago: George M. Hill Co. Pub., 1900. First Edition, mixed state, binding "C." Ad on f.f.e. verso without border. 13-line colophon on rear endpaper without border. With textual corrections. Verso of copyright page blank. Plate facing p. 34 with two blue blots; plate facing p. 92 with no red shading above horizon. Very close to the second state except for the plate facing p. 34 which still has the two blue blots on the face of the moon. Bienvenue and Schmidt, p. 6. This is Mervyn LeRoy's vintage hardcover copy that would be the basis for the ageless family classic film, The Wizard of Oz. Featuring illustrations by artist W.W. Denslow. First published in the United States in 1900. The book was a sensation, selling out its 1st run of 10,000 copies and a subsequent 2nd printing of 15,000 copies, which were also quickly gone (3 million copies had been sold by 1956). This was the first entry in what would become a series of Oz books. Based on the success of the novel, which spawned a Broadway musical in 1902, Baum was inspired to write another 13 related books. This is Mervyn LeRoy's personal copy of the novel. The book exhibits age, handing, some loose hinges and fraying to cloth and board cover at the edges. The book also retains Mervyn LeRoy's personal ex libris book plate tipped into the free end papers.
LeRoy could be considered the "big bang" in the genesis of what would become the film The Wizard of Oz, one of the most universally beloved, multi-generational, groundbreaking genre movies of all time. On the back of the success of Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Samuel Goldwyn at MGM, bought the rights to L. Frank Baum's popular children's novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" in January of 1938. Staff writers would take a crack at the script, but the project gained new legs and a bona fide champion when it came across producer Mervyn LeRoy's desk. Working closely with directors like Victor Fleming and King Vidor, LeRoy would navigate the challenges of adapting L. Frank Baum's beloved novel to the silver screen. He brought a magical and enduring allure of Oz to life through his astute creative direction and meticulous attention to detail. As producer, he would play a key role in the selection of the film's cast, including Judy Garland, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, and others. His dedication to achieving technical excellence, evident in the film's groundbreaking use of Technicolor, enhanced the vibrancy of Oz and added to its enchanting atmosphere. His ability to balance the film's whimsical elements with a compelling narrative would create a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. But it all began with this book, which was adapted to an ultimate screenplay.
9 x 7 x 2 in.
BAUM, L. Frank. "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" Chicago: George M. Hill Co. Pub., 1900. First Edition, mixed state, binding "C." Ad on f.f.e. verso without border. 13-line colophon on rear endpaper without border. With textual corrections. Verso of copyright page blank. Plate facing p. 34 with two blue blots; plate facing p. 92 with no red shading above horizon. Very close to the second state except for the plate facing p. 34 which still has the two blue blots on the face of the moon. Bienvenue and Schmidt, p. 6. This is Mervyn LeRoy's vintage hardcover copy that would be the basis for the ageless family classic film, The Wizard of Oz. Featuring illustrations by artist W.W. Denslow. First published in the United States in 1900. The book was a sensation, selling out its 1st run of 10,000 copies and a subsequent 2nd printing of 15,000 copies, which were also quickly gone (3 million copies had been sold by 1956). This was the first entry in what would become a series of Oz books. Based on the success of the novel, which spawned a Broadway musical in 1902, Baum was inspired to write another 13 related books. This is Mervyn LeRoy's personal copy of the novel. The book exhibits age, handing, some loose hinges and fraying to cloth and board cover at the edges. The book also retains Mervyn LeRoy's personal ex libris book plate tipped into the free end papers.
LeRoy could be considered the "big bang" in the genesis of what would become the film The Wizard of Oz, one of the most universally beloved, multi-generational, groundbreaking genre movies of all time. On the back of the success of Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Samuel Goldwyn at MGM, bought the rights to L. Frank Baum's popular children's novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" in January of 1938. Staff writers would take a crack at the script, but the project gained new legs and a bona fide champion when it came across producer Mervyn LeRoy's desk. Working closely with directors like Victor Fleming and King Vidor, LeRoy would navigate the challenges of adapting L. Frank Baum's beloved novel to the silver screen. He brought a magical and enduring allure of Oz to life through his astute creative direction and meticulous attention to detail. As producer, he would play a key role in the selection of the film's cast, including Judy Garland, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, and others. His dedication to achieving technical excellence, evident in the film's groundbreaking use of Technicolor, enhanced the vibrancy of Oz and added to its enchanting atmosphere. His ability to balance the film's whimsical elements with a compelling narrative would create a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. But it all began with this book, which was adapted to an ultimate screenplay.
9 x 7 x 2 in.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
