【英文原著类】The Tin Woodman of Oz(欧兹·锡人).pdf

THE TIN WOODMAN OF OZ
THE TIN WOODMAN
OF OZ
L. FRANK BAUM
1
THE TIN WOODMAN OF OZ
TO MY READERS
I know that some of you have been waiting for this story of the Tin
Woodman, because many ofmy correspondents have asked me, time and
again what ever became of the "pretty Munchkin girl" whom Nick
Chopper was engaged to marry before the Wicked Witch enchanted his
axe and he traded his flesh for tin. I, too, have wondered what became of
her, but until Woot the Wanderer interested himself in the matter the Tin
Woodman knew no more than we did. However, he found her, after many
thrilling adventures, as you will discover when you have read this story.
I am delighted at the continued interest of both young and old in the
Oz stories. A learned college professor recently wrote me to ask: "For
readers of what age are your books intended?" It puzzled me to answer
that properly, until I had looked over some of the letters I have received.
One says: "I'm a little boy 5 years old, and I Just love your Oz stories. My
sister, who is writing this for me, reads me the Oz books, but I wish I
could read them myself." Another letter says: "I'm a great girl 13 years old,
so you'll be surprised when I tell you I am not too old yet for the Oz
stories."Here's another letter: "Since I was a young girl I've never missed
getting a Baum book for Christmas. I'm married, now, but am as eager to
get and read the Oz stories as ever." And still another writes: "My good
wife and I, both more than 70 years of age, believe that we find more real
enjoyment in your Oz books than in any other books we read."
Considering these statements, I wrote the college professor that my books
are intended for all those whose hearts are young, no matter what their
ages may be.
I think I am justified in promising that there will be some astonishing
revelations about The Magic of Oz in my book for 1919. Always your
loving and grateful friend,
L. FRANK BAUM.
Royal Historian of Oz.