American Fairy Tales

by L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum

"American Fairy Tales" by L. Frank Baum is a collection of twelve fantasy stories published in 1901. Written during Baum's early success following "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," these tales take a satirical and tongue-in-cheek approach unusual for children's literature. The stories feature department-store mannequins come to life, magical candy, captured personifications of time, and enchanted printing presses. With ironic morals and a glib tone, the collection was originally serialized in major newspapers for adult readers before appearing in book form with striking medieval-inspired illustrated borders.