The Wonderful Wizard of Oz \\ Action Precedes The Label

The collection, originally known as 'Children's and Household Tales' (Kinder- und Hausmärchen), includes stories such as 'Snow White,' 'Little Red Riding Hood,' and 'Rumpelstiltskin. ' The tales were gathered from oral sources and were intended to preserve German folklore. Over several editions, the stories were refined and expanded, eventually becoming a cornerstone of world folklore.

This collection includes all the beloved fairy tales written by Hans Christian Andersen. The stories feature a range of characters and themes, such as 'The Ugly Duckling,' 'Thumbelina,' 'The Red Shoes,' and 'The Emperor’s New Clothes. ' These tales are not only popular among children but also offer lessons of kindness, resilience, and virtue for older readers. The collection is a testament to Andersen's mastery of the fairy tale genre and his ability to create stories that have become embedded in Western collective consciousness.

In 'Wicked', Gregory Maguire delves into the life of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who becomes the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The story begins with Elphaba's childhood, marked by her unique appearance and her father's missionary work in Quadling country. As she grows older, Elphaba attends Shiz University, where she meets Galinda, who will later become Glinda. The novel follows Elphaba's journey through her involvement in resistance against the Wizard, her personal struggles, and her eventual transformation into the Wicked Witch. Maguire's narrative explores themes of social class, political oppression, and the nature of evil, creating a rich and vivid world that challenges the traditional view of Oz.

The story centers on Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas who is swept away by a cyclone to the magical Land of Oz. There, she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion, each seeking something from the elusive Wizard of Oz. Along their journey, they face numerous trials and eventually discover that the Wizard is a humbug. Dorothy learns to use the magical power of her silver shoes to return home to Kansas.

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.