Book #5 in the Wizard of Oz series.~~ includes all the original illustrations (over 130) by John R. Neill, and a new Preface by Oz expert and Eltanin Editor Joseph Nusbaum. ~~~~ An excerpt from the preface:"If Baum’s prior book, Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, struck too dark and grim a tone with many Oz fans, The Road to Oz brings readers back to a marvelous fairyland where the greatest hardship our heroes may endure is perhaps a little mischief. Indeed, a common criticism of The Road to Oz is that Baum failed to introduce any conflict or objective and, hence, the story suffers from a lack of plot. But as the title implies, this Oz adventure is all about the journey. Baum knew full well that the journey motif propelled countless fairytales, and he perhaps recognized common ties to the American premium on mobility and exploration. This approach to storytelling served his ongoing quest to compose a markedly “American” fairytale....The end result of The Road to Oz is a lighthearted romp through both familiar and new fairylands. Likewise, Baum brings in both his most beloved characters, and also introduces the Shaggy Man, Polychrome and Button Bright— three new characters that will go on to play major roles in future Oz adventures. The concluding celebration in the Emerald City is a most splendid event for Oz fans and a rewarding experience for admirers of Baum’s other works. That the whole book is adorned with Neill’s most elaborate illustrations, before or since, makes this Oz book a jewel in the series."The Road to Oz is the 5th book in the Oz series. The following books in the series are also available from Eltanin Publishing. Search on "Eltanin Publishing", or use these links: ~ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (#1) - http://amzn.com/B005VRZXOA ~ The Marvelous Land of Oz (#2) - http://amzn.com/B004T5NI8S ~ Ozma of Oz (#3) - http://amzn.com/B0050Q9EI8 ~ Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz (#4) - http://amzn.com/B0068O9EUY ~ The Emerald City of Oz (#6) - http://amzn.com/B007NO7OG4 ~ The Patchwork Girl of Oz (#7) - http://amzn.com/B0088DZTQG ~ Tik-Tok of Oz (#8) - http://amzn.com/B009KEXYAK ~ The Scarecrow of Oz (#9) - http://amzn.com/B00AR34EO8 ~~ This book is DRM-free, so you can easily read it on all your ereader devices, and convert it to other formats if you so desire. ~~