Wednesday, we're telling the story behind one of America's most enduring tales. Our guest is the journalist Evan Schwartz, author of a book about L. Frank Baum. Before publishing "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" in 1900, Baum failed at acting, selling castor oil and running a toy shop. But along the way, he was collecting ideas that would find their way into his parable of the American Dream. Schwartz joins Doug to talk about the personal turmoil and spiritual transformation that led Baum to Oz.
Books and Music from today's RadioWest:
- Evan I. Schwartz, Finding Oz: How L. Frank Baum Discovered the Great American Story. Learn more at his website FindingOz.com
- L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- Before the Rainbow : The Original Music of Oz
- The Wizard of Oz (DVD)
- "Oz The Great and Powerful" showtimes in Salt Lake City