Author of the timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz. Exceedingly rare TLS, one page, 7.25 x 11, personal Ozcot at Hollywood letterhead, November 1, 1917. A response to book critic Guy Bogart, who gave Baum’s books favorable reviews which started a friendly correspondence with Baum and his wife Maud. In full: “Your letter arrived during my absence from town and a new ‘maid’ shelved it with a lot of other correspondence so that I have just uncovered it. I am seriously distressed because such a bully letter deserved prompt acknowledgment, as did the kindly article from the ‘Citizen’ that accompanied it. You may imagine that such appreciation would win the heart of any man and the best part of the letter is your suggestion that you may bring your boy to see me, affording me the opportunity to make the acquaintance of you both. I sincerely hope you will not only forgive my negligence but lead the young man to my modest home in Hollywood, where I can usually be found among my flowers. However, as I must not miss you, please telephone in advance so that I will be sure to be at home. I thank you for your praise of my work—praise which I am sure is largely due to ‘Guy’s son,’ who is able to see fairyland from my own viewpoint. Until I see you, Really yours, L. Frank Baum.” In fine condition, with a thin strip of toning to the top and left edges, minor paper loss to the bottom edge, and light bleeding to the signature. Accompanied by related papers including: letters from Bogart (one, a letter to Maud after Baum’s death, signed by Bogart), with his impressions of Baum from his and his son’s first visit; an ALS from Maud Baum dated January 21st, 1920, with content about her son and “a very sad case along these lines–where the lady had to be sent to a sanitarium”; a letter dated June 13, 1919 to Bogart from Baum’s publisher F. K Reilly, who mentions “The Magic of Oz, the 1919 Baum Book”; and original obituaries clipped from the L. A. Examiner and the L. A. Times. A fantastic archive containing one of the most widely desired American literary autographs. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
