L. Frank Baum

Lyman Frank Baum (1856–1919) was an American author, journalist, and theater professional. Among other occupations, he worked as a reporter, newspaper publisher, actor, and poultry farmer. He became internationally known for the children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900), which grew out of bedtime stories he told his children. Baum followed the first book with thirteen further Oz novels. Together with illustrator W. W. Denslow, he created one of the best-known American children’s series.