Best known as the author of the тАШWizard of OzтАЩ series of childrenтАЩs stories, L. Frank Baum also worked as a poultry farmer before he found literary fame. тАШThe Book of the HamburgsтАЩ is a short informative guide to the Hamburg breed of chicken, one of his favourites. This book explores characteristics, the history of the breed, and information for those looking to exhibit their Hamburgs. A charming guide to one of the authorтАЩs little-known passions. Lyman Frank Baum (1856 тАУ 1919) was a prolific and well-known American writer. He is best known for his famous series of modern fairy tales set in the imaginary land of Oz. The first of the books, тАШThe Wonderful Wizard of OzтАЩ is widely considered to be the first true American fairy tale and was the basis for the hugely popular 1939 classic musical тАШThe Wizard of OzтАЩ starring Judy Garland. Born and raised in New York, Baum held a range of jobs including as a poultry farmer, clerk, and storekeeper before pursuing his talent for writing at the age of 41. He wrote 14 novels in the Oz series, as well as over 40 other novels and over 80 short stories. He died in California in 1919.