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Cover of The Tin Woodman of Oz A Faithful Story of the Astonishing Adventure Undertaken by the Tin Woodman, assisted by Woot the Wanderer, the Scarecrow of Oz, and Polychrome, the Rainbow's Daughter

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The Tin Woodman of Oz A Faithful Story of the Astonishing Adventure Undertaken by the Tin Woodman, assisted by Woot the Wanderer, the Scarecrow of Oz, and Polychrome, the Rainbow's Daughter

by L. Frank Baum

Language: en1,184 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

In: Children & Young Adult Reading·Science-Fiction & Fantasy·Novels

Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #30852.

About this book

The book is a whimsical adventure set in L. Frank Baum’s ever‑expanding Land of Oz, where the Tin Woodman, now Emperor of the Winkies, hosts a curious newcomer, Woot the Wanderer, in his glittering tin castle. The opening chapter introduces the tin‑clad ruler, his straw‑talking friend the Scarecrow, and the eager boy‑like wanderer who arrives seeking hospitality and answers. Their conversation quickly turns to the Tin Woodman’s own origins, promising a retelling of his transformation from a flesh‑and‑blood woodcutter into the beloved tin‑hearted hero, and hinting at the “astonishing revelations” that will follow as the story unfolds through a series of colorful episodes.

Baum’s narrative voice is warm, conversational, and peppered with the playful diction of early twentieth‑century children’s literature. The prose blends gentle humor with vivid description, while the episodic chapter titles suggest a rollicking, episodic journey. Readers who enjoy imaginative fantasy, gentle moral reflection, and the classic charm of Oz’s familiar characters will find this tale engaging, whether they are young readers discovering Oz for the first time or adults recalling the wonder of Baum’s world.

Characters in this book

  • Tin WoodmanTall slender man of polished tin, riveted joints, golden hinges, regal cape, solemn expression
  • Woot the WandererYouthful boy in simple traveler's cloak and boots, wide eyes, straw hat, wooden staff
  • PolychromeEthereal woman in flowing rainbow‑colored robes, hair shimmering with all hues, delicate luminous aura

The opening · free to read

To My Readers

I know that some of you have been waiting for this story of the Tin Woodman, because many of my correspondents have asked me, time and again, what ever became of the "pretty Munchkin girl" whom Nick Chopper was engaged to marry before the Wicked Witch enchanted his axe and he traded his flesh for tin. I, too, have wondered what became of her, but until Woot the Wanderer interested himself in the matter the Tin Woodman knew no more than we did. However, he found her, after many thrilling adventures, as you will discover when you have read this story.

I am delighted at the continued interest of both young and old in the Oz stories. A learned college professor recently wrote me to ask: "For readers of what age are your books intended?" It puzzled me to answer that properly, until I had looked over some of the letters I have received. One says: "I'm a little boy 5 years old, and I just love your Oz stories. My sister, who is writing this for me, reads me the Oz books, but I wish I could read them myself." Another letter says: "I'm a great girl 13 years old, so you'll be surprised when I tell you I am not too old yet for the Oz stories." Here's another letter: "Since I was a young girl I've never missed getting a Baum book for Christmas. I'm married, now, but am as eager to get and read the Oz stories as ever." And still another writes: "My good wife and I, both more than 70 years of age, believe that we find more real enjoyment in your Oz books than in any other books we read." Considering these statements, I wrote the college professor that my books are intended for all those whose hearts are young, no matter what their ages may be.

And while on this subject of letters I am reminded that a good many of my correspondents neglect to slip a 3-cent postage-stamp into their letters, for the answer. You are sending but one letter, you know, while I get so many hundreds of letters that to prepay postage on all the answers to them would be no small burden to me.

I think I am justified in promising that there will be some astonishing revelations about The Magic of Oz in my book for 1919.

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