EMERALDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND

Everyone loves The Wizard of Oz!

Of course we do! What's not to love? Judy in her gingham frock and  Ruby Slipper dancing down the Yellow Brick Road with Ray, Jack and Bert, plus Munchkins, Winkies and Flying Monkeys, Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch cackling insanely at every opportunity, Billie Burke sweetly simpering as the Good Witch and Frank Morgan humbugging from behind the curtain as the Great and Powerful Oz!

Timeless stuff! But, as it happens, 2013 marks the film's 75th anniversary which has provided an opportunity for the publication of––––––

This is, of course, not the first book on the making of Oz and – when one considers the film's standing in the public's affections – it is unlikely to be the last. But it is without question one of the very best and will be difficult to better. Authors, Jay Scarfone and William Stillman, are noted scholars of Oz lore with one of the world's most comprehensive archives on the subject – outside of the Emerald City library itself!

The book, stunningly laid-out to reflect the Art Deco styling that influenced the film's art direction and original 1930's publicity, is crammed with all-you-need-to-know facts and figures lavishly illustrated, page-on-page, with an amazing array of costume and set designs, production stills, memos and letters, Technicolor tests and behind-the-scenes shots – many of the never-before-seen variety – that bring alive the fascinating story of the making of this historic film and the people in front of, and behind, the camera who made it.

Here are a just one or two of the book's delights...

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by William Stillman and Jay Scarfone. Published by Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; © 2013 by Author.

 Scarfone/Stillman Collection

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by William Stillman and Jay Scarfone. Published by Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; © 2013 by Author.

 Scarfone/Stillman Collection

 

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by William Stillman and Jay Scarfone. Published by Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; © 2013 by Author.

 Scarfone/Stillman Collection

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by William Stillman and Jay Scarfone. Published by Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; © 2013 by Author.

 Scarfone/Stillman Collection

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by William Stillman and Jay Scarfone. Published by Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; © 2013 by Author.

 Scarfone/Stillman Collection

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by William Stillman and Jay Scarfone. Published by Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; © 2013 by Author.

 Scarfone/Stillman Collection

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by William Stillman and Jay Scarfone. Published by Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; © 2013 by Author.

 Scarfone/Stillman Collection 

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by William Stillman and Jay Scarfone. Published by Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; © 2013 by Author.

 Scarfone/Stillman Collection

The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion by William Stillman and Jay Scarfone. Published by Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; © 2013 by Author.

 Scarfone/Stillman Collection

Tucked inside the back of the book is a cache of collectible treasures including a set of certificates from the Wizard himself (for anyone in need of brains, heart, courage or instructions how to find their way Home) along with other replica memorabilia.

It's safe to say that anyone who loves Oz would be especially happy if Santa were to leave a copy of this knowledgeably and engagingly written – and exquisitely presented – book under the Christmas tree in a few weeks time!

Jay Scarfone and William Stillman's The Wizard of Oz: The Official 75th Anniversary Companion is available from Amazon.com here and from Amazon.co.uk here – where, incidentally, you will find more spreads illustrated that I was permitted to reproduce (even with all the obligatory credit lines peppering this post!). Amazon's sneak-peeks include these...

Dear Warner Bros: Sue Amazon, not me!!