Is Magic Land Oz? A. M. Volkov and the Question of Originality

Abstract

The originality of Volkov’s Wizard of the Emerald City has traditionally been found in the revisions that allegedly made the book more Soviet. However, it is far more constructive to examine Volkov’s fairy tale within the context of his own life and other publications, rather than from the generalizations and stereotypes of any particular culture or worldview. Volkov approached Baum’s text like the mathematician that he was, correcting, tightening, and connecting details to make the fairy tale more rational, logical, and emotionally satisfying.

Keywords: A. M. Volkov, adaptation, Soviet Union, L. F. Baum, Wizard of the Emerald City