More than a children's story, Oz stands as a demarcation point between American's rural past and urban future, harmoniously uniting a democratic spirit and a utopian vision with a prescient dark undercurrent that foreshadowed the Great Depression. This centennial edition, elegantly designed for all ages, includes rare and illuminating materials of interest to both first-time Oz readers and bibliophiles alike. Essays about L. Frank Baum's classic, its impact and enduring appeal accompany the text, and feature revealing critical and biographical information. Among the authors are luminaries Ray Bradbury, Gore Vidal, Nicholas Von Hoffman and a biography of Baum by Oz scholars. This is the first in a series of definitive new and collectible Oz editions prepared in conjunction with The Baum Family Trust.