curiously enough, in the events which have taken place in the last few years in our "great outside world," we may find incidents so marvelous and inspiring that i cannot hope to equal them with stories of the land of oz.

however, "the magic of oz" is really more strange and unusual than anything i have read or heard about on our side of the great sandy desert which shuts us off from the land of oz, even during the past exciting years, so i hope it will appeal to your love of novelty.

a long and confining illness has prevented my answering all the good letters sent me—unless stamps were enclosed—but from now on i hope to be able to give prompt attention to each and every letter with which my readers favor me.

assuring you that my love for you has never faltered and hoping the oz books will continue to give you pleasure as long as i am able to write them, i am

yours affectionately,

l. frank baum,

"royal historian of oz."

"ozcot"

at hollywood

in california

1919