In what order should I read the Wizard of Oz books?

Question

I don't even know how many there are, or what they're all called. All I've been exposed to are the 1939 movie, and Wicked. Thought it was time to go back to the basics. :)

Also, which medium do you prefer? The movies, the original books? Wicked as a book or a play?

Answer 1

Here's a great site - see first link below, please

I prefer the books - though the movie is great. It's just that I'd rather do the imagining than have someone else doing it for me.
Same with "Wicked" as a book, rather than the play. By the way, are you aware that Maguire has a new book, Son of a Witch" out now? (see second link, please.)

For a list of all the Oz books (and other info), please see the third link.
I'd probably read them in the order they were written.

Answer 2

I always prefer to read the book before seeing the movie or play, and usually I end up enjoying the books more.

As for what order to read the Oz books in... Read the original first. It was written as a complete story in itself and does not rely on the others in the series at all (sort of like the original Matrix movie). The rest of the series of books is also good - I have my mother's copies of all the books from when she was a child (there are 13 books in addition to the original) - but the original is the best. DO NOT bother with any of the Oz sequel movies, they are really quite worthless.

I have read Wicked, and enjoyed it very much. It is definitely a young adult or adult book, much of the subject matter is not intended for children and would be above the head of anyone under 12. I have tickets to see Wicked the musical in a couple of weeks, and am looking forward to it, but don't expect it to be much like the book.

Answer 3

READ them in order: Wizard of Oz, Wicked, and Son of a Witch. I loved them all!

Answer 4

Read Baum's 14 originals in the order they were written.

Answer 5

I have an idea. YOU read the book and YOU write the report not us.

Answer 6

Begining to end.