Baum, bahm, L. Frank (1856-1919), an American author, wrote children's books about the magical land of Oz. His first Oz book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900), was made into The Wizard of Oz (1939), one of the most popular motion pictures in history. Baum wrote 14 novels and a number of short stories about Oz, as well as other children's fantasies, filling them with many lovable and adventurous characters. After his death on May 6, 1919, other authors continued the Oz series.