Promotional Information

Ranjit Dighe's new book will be of immense interest to scholars seeking to understand Baum and his classic, and to teachers who wish to use Baum's story as a platform for discussing one of the crucial periods in American political and economic history. Although written in a straightforward and engaging style, the book is based on an impressive understanding of the primary and secondary sources. Professor Dighe has chosen judiciously among conflicting interpretations, developed new interpretations of his own, and dealt sensitively with the thorny issue of Baum's intentions. ^IThe Historian's Wizard of Oz^R will be the definitive work for a long time to come. -- Hugh Rockoff^LProfessor of Economics^LRutgers University Readers will benefit mightily from the expertise this historical-minded economist brings to bear on the famous children's tale. It is with great pleasure and confidence therefore that I recommend ^IThe Historian's Wizard of Oz^R. -- Gene Clanton^Lauthor^L^ICongressional Populism and the Crisis of the 1890s^R (1998), ^IPopulism: The Humane Preference in America^R (1991), and ^IKansas Populism: Ideas and Men^R (1969) With this book, Ranjit Dighe combines the economist's knowledge of monetary matters with the historian's sensibilities of the past to help us understand the context of America's classic children's story. His annotations are clear and concise, fair and balanced. Put simply, this is the best commentary we have on L. Frank Baum's ^IWonderful Wizard of Oz^R. -- David Parker^LHistory Department^LKennesaw State University ...a comprehensive treatment of the relationship between ^IThe Wonderful Wizard of Oz^R and the political events in America just before the turn of the century...In one volume, Dighe assembles varied source material to help the reader see the real (and imagined) links between Oz and Populism. ^IThe Historian's Wizard of Oz^R is a welcome addition to the literature about Baum and politics. -- Michael Gessel^LEditor-in-Chief^L^IThe Baum Bugle^R

Table of Contents

Preface Introduction: The Colors of Money "If I Only Had a Brain": A Primer on Gold, Silver, and the American Monetary System "Populism Will Put Them to Sleep": A Shory History of the Populist Movement of the 1890s L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, With Annotations Appendix A: Another Fiat-Money Metaphor, From The Marvelous Land of Oz Appendix B: William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" Speech Appendix C: The Quantity Theory of Money Bibliography Index

About the Author

RANJIT S. DIGHE is Assistant Professor of Economics at the State University of New York at Oswego. His specialty is American macroeconomic history, and he has written extensively on American labor markets between the world wars.

Reviews

[e]ven though the story does not really work all that well as an allegory, the allegory works well as a tool for teaching the history.
*Science Fiction Studies*

[a] useful resource for Oz scholars and teachers, with its helpful historical background information, bibliographic references, selection of contemporary images, and excellent overview of academia's Populist-parable theory.
*Utopian Studies*

[A] very useful and engaging book that introduces and explains the context under which Baum's book was written and provides some of the basis for the economic and political interpretations that have emerged over the years. The wonderful Wizard of OZ can be read for pure delight by a child or alternatively can become part of a scholarly debate over the events and significance of economic and public policy- a testimony to the power of words and the importance of metaphors to understanding complex relationships. For students and teachers, for novice and seasoned scholars alike, I heartily recommend Dighe's interesting and entertaining book.
*EH.Net book Review*

Ranjit S. Dighe has written a fine book that will serve both the practical purpose of helping teachers use the Wizard of Oz in the classroom and the scholarly purpose of helping economic historians use the historical reading of the Wizard of Oz.
*Journal of Economic History*