OP: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Cook Book

Macmillan Publishing Co., New York, 1981. Hardcover. Very Good. First printing.

Based on the series of Oz books introduced by L. Frank Baum (1856–1919) in 1900, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Cook Book (1981) is a handsome compliment to the original children’s stories. The recipes are faithful to early 20th century American style and follow geographic changes as Dorothy and friends carry on in their adventure, each region having a distinct, thematic cuisine. 

In midwestern Kansas, for example, one might enjoy Aunt Em’s chicken and dumplings, Uncle Henry’s beef shortribs, or “cyclone” jumbles. Then in the Land of Munchkins, represented by the color blue and foods of the American Northeast, you have blueberry pancakes, currant bread, and plum compote. 

The Yellow Brick Road, found in Winkie Country, comprises yellow foods, of course, taking cues from the West—corn bread, “scarecrow survival snacks” (a mixed nut trail mix), lemon chicken. 

Naturally, Emerald City offers a heavy dose of green with no particular geographic inclination—sparkling limeade or fresh mint iced tea, split pea soup, stuffed green peppers. And the Country of Quadlings is inspired by red foods of the South—hot or cold tomato soup, stuffed red snapper, country spaghetti sauce.

Illustrated in color with the great W.W. Denslow’s (1856–1915) drawings from the original book, this is an attractive and pleasant addendum to the Oz fandom.

Very Good condition; the book block totally clean and unmarked. Two gatherings have become disbound but remain laid in. Minor soiling to the yellow case with a slight darkening of the spine. Without jacket, as issued. First printing.