After a full week of Oz, we now find ourselves at the conclusion of W.W. Denslow's 1904 Scarecrow and the Tin-Man, which he published in response to the success of the 1902 stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, for which L. Frank Baum wrote the script and W.W. Denslow designed the sets and costumes. There was a bit of a falling out for the two during this time frame and Denslow illustrated only the first of Baum's books.
Whoops... Sorry about that stumble! Blame it on the 'Net!!!
Now, where was I? Oh yea! So, we see our two reformed convicts meeting up with the Cowardly Lion back on stage... or so we are told!
Everyone seems happy enough and W.W. Denslow's story has a happy ending! As it should be!!!
I'm pleased to report that the W.W stands for William Wallace, which makes the Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma very happy indeed!!!
On an even finer note, the following image is the final page before the back cover and I consider it to be Denslow's finest work in the book. Perhaps even outside of it against his other Oz drawings.
I have it from a reliable source that the crow's name is Corvus. He currently serves as the Head of the Messenger Crows that serve the Scarecrow in his fairly large ear-of-corn house by the Winkie River in the Winkie Country. Downstream lives his good friend, the Tin Woodman in his very shiny palace.
Denslow sure did have a jones for orange.
The most unique thing that stands out on nearly every page was W.W. Denslow's signature, which was very ornate and quite gregarious. It certainly defined him as an artist of Oz.
Those who followed in his footsteps, or line art, as the case may be, owe W.W. Denslow a debt of gratitude for setting the bar so high. His vision brought out the best in following artists, including John R. Neill and others.
Oz-Stravaganza 2011 is less than 2 weeks hence and anticipation looms large in the distance...
James C. Wallace II
Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma
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