Hugh Rockoff
"Ranjit Dighe's new book will be of immense interest to scholars seeking to understand Baum and his classic, and to teachers who wish to use Baum's story as a platform for discussing one of the crucial periods in American political and economic history. Although written in a straightforward and engaging style, the book is based on an impressive understanding of the primary and secondary sources. Professor Dighe has chosen judiciously among conflicting interpretations, developed new interpretations of his own, and dealt sensitively with the thorny issue of Baum's intentions. The Historian's Wizard of Oz will be the definitive work for a long time to come."
David Parker
"With this book, Ranjit Dighe combines the economist's knowledge of monetary matters with the historian's sensibilities of the past to help us understand the context of America's classic children's story. His annotations are clear and concise, fair and balanced. Put simply, this is the best commentary we have on L. Frank Baum's Wonderful Wizard of Oz."
Gene Clanton
"Readers will benefit mightily from the expertise this historical-minded economist brings to bear on the famous children's tale. It is with great pleasure and confidence therefore that I recommend The Historian's Wizard of Oz."
Michael Gessel Editor-in-ChiefThe Baum Bugle
...a comprehensive treatment of the relationship between The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the political events in America just before the turn of the century....In one volume, Dighe assembles varied source material to help the reader see the real (and imagined) links between Oz and Populism. The Historian's Wizard of Oz is a welcome addition to the literature about Baum and politics.
Michael Gessel
"...a comprehensive treatment of the relationship between The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the political events in America just before the turn of the century....In one volume, Dighe assembles varied source material to help the reader see the real (and imagined) links between Oz and Populism. The Historian's Wizard of Oz is a welcome addition to the literature about Baum and politics."
Gene Clanton author Congressional Populism and the Crisis of the 1890s (1998)
Readers will benefit mightily from the expertise this historical-minded economist brings to bear on the famous children's tale. It is with great pleasure and confidence therefore that I recommend The Historian's Wizard of Oz .
Hugh Rockoff Professor of Economics Rutgers University
Ranjit Dighe's new book will be of immense interest to scholars seeking to understand Baum and his classic, and to teachers who wish to use Baum's story as a platform for discussing one of the crucial periods in American political and economic history. Although written in a straightforward and engaging style, the book is based on an impressive understanding of the primary and secondary sources. Professor Dighe has chosen judiciously among conflicting interpretations, developed new interpretations of his own, and dealt sensitively with the thorny issue of Baum's intentions. The Historian's Wizard of Oz will be the definitive work for a long time to come.
David Parker History Department Kennesaw State University
With this book, Ranjit Dighe combines the economist's knowledge of monetary matters with the historian's sensibilities of the past to help us understand the context of America's classic children's story. His annotations are clear and concise, fair and balanced. Put simply, this is the best commentary we have on L. Frank Baum's Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
