Considered the creator of the first American fairy tale, Lyman Frank Baum was born at Chittenango, New York, near Syracuse, on May 15, 1856. His parents, Benjamin Ward and Cynthia (Stanton) Baum, were wealthy because of the familys oil business. These financial resources enabled Baum to follow many of his dreams throughout his life. His mother promoted womens rights, which would influence how Baum later portrayed strong female protagonists. Throughout his life, Baum suffered a heart ailment which limited his physical activities and resulted in his being introspective and developing his imagination. Baum mostly studied at home with tutors. Because his parents hoped to discourage him from being so creative, they sent him to the Peekskill Military Academy, which he loathed, and, as a result, anti-military messages appeared in his later works. He enjoyed exploring his parents estate, Rose Lawn, which some people believe was the inspiration for the Emerald City in his Oz books. Baum read fairy tales, especially those written by Hans Christian Andersen, who influenced Baums style and depiction of archetypes. Several Oz-related characters have a foundation in Baums childhood. He sometimes had nightmares about a scarecrow chasing him. The Tin Woodmans search for a heart might reflect Baums desire to have a strong, healthy heart. ...