Episode #233 - Is The Wizard of Oz Secretly About American History?

The beloved children's novel The Wonderful Wizard of OZ has been celebrated as the quintessential American fairytale. But, many believe that the book is more than just a pleasing adventure story for kids. It's been argued that hidden in the text is a subtle allegory that satirizes the politics of late 19th century America. Some believe that the author L. Frank Baum used his fantasy story to make a point about the election of 1896 and the candidates William Jennings Bryan and William McKinley. However, many Baum biographers have disputed this claim. Was L. Frank Baum writing a populist parable or does that idea stem from a deep misunderstanding of his politics? Tune-in and find out how dorm-room bonding rituals, the Great Gig in the Sky, and Sebastian's greatest moment of synchronicity all play a role in the story.

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