L. Frank Baum

American author L. Frank Baum (1856-1919) was born in Chittenango, New York. Baum wrote [The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]? and 13 additional novels based on the places and people of Oz?. Several times through the development of the series, he declared that he had written his last Oz book, and devoted himself to several other works of fantasy fiction based in other magical lands (including [The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus]?). However, persuaded by popular demand, letters from children, (and perhaps a reluctant understanding of the power of branding), he each time returned to the series. All of his novels have fallen into public domain in most jurisdictions; many are available through Project Gutenberg.

Read more about and by Baum at http://www.underthesun.cc/Classics/Baum/index.html