In the early 1950s during the golden age of commercial air travel, the author Chris Valli became an "air hostess" for Trans World Airlines. She ultimately married her present husband, who at that time was a special agent for the FBI. In 1955 they settled down, along with the many millions of post-World War II families, to give birth to the revered, churchgoing "traditional" family...These reflections do not represent the textbook knowledge of sociology. They are viewpoints as seen through the eyes of a fifties stay-at-home woman during the dawn of our country's upwardly mobile, affluent society; an exploration of our "options as we go careening into 2,000 Anno Domini...an individual concerned with the course of our nations' spiritual evolution - when our nation's politicians, community leaders & philanthropic organizations are vying for a position that will enable them to score a victory in the race to cure the ills of our modern day society - a timely message with words of warning for the middle-aged baby boomers - a reminder of the danger of once again becoming political pawns - as they search for a spiritual renewal & return to a post-World War II stability." EN ROUTE TO THE EMERALD CITY is available at bookstores: nonfiction paperback $14.95. Please contact distributors, Baker & Taylor, P.O. Box 734, 44 Kirby Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876-0734. 908-722-8000 or The Brodart Company, 500 Arch Street, Williamsport, PA 17705. 717-326-2461.

Over the Rainbow shows how Dorothy's passage from Kansas to Oz and back again recapitulates paradigmatic stories of both America and Christianity. Defining human identity on three symbolic levels (individual, collective, and cosmic), Nathanson shows that The Wizard of Oz has come to be a "secular myth."

The Road to Oz is a complete retelling of how The Wizard of Oz was influenced and created, and attained its iconic status. The new volume by Jay Scarfone and William Stillman will reflect recent research and much more through newly discovered period interviews, media resources of the era, transcriptions and unique contemporary interviews with those who were there. Additionally, never-before-published imagery accompanies the text. In its truth and candor, this new historical contribution is ideal to tie-in with the 2018-19 80th anniversary of the 1939 movie. Tantalizing highlights of the text include: · A thorough synopsis of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) and the script, inspired by the book, of the 1903 Broadway musical-comedy extravaganza. · An overview of the plots of prior silent film adaptations of Oz and how they influenced the M-G-M film. · An analysis of newly-discovered audio transcriptions of Wizard of Oz radio programs from 1931-32 and 1937-38—all of which were previously unknown. · A complete accounting of Sam Goldwyn’s proposed (and aborted) 1934 Technicolor musical version of Oz starring Eddie Cantor (including commentary from Cantor’s sole surviving child). · A thorough analysis of the October 10, 1938 M-G-M shooting script (provided by descendants of comedian and Cowardly Lion actor Bert Lahr) that predates the beginning of production by seventy-two hours. · Startling revelations about the operetta that seemingly inspired “Over the Rainbow.” · Judy Garland’s trials and tribulations with the studio, including the threat that M-G-M was grooming a sound-alike who tested for Oz. · The supporting player who was cast in two roles in Oz’s fantasy sequence—the second role revealed for the first time in Scarfone and Stillman’s text. · The Munchkin midgets’ pre-1939 Wizard of Oz connection. · Oz’s film editor with a direct connection to Walt Disney and Snow White. · Studio nepotism, favoritism and politics at the height of Hollywood’s golden age on the making of the world’s most famous film. “The Road to Oz not only delivers exciting, previously unpublished information and insight, but does so in an extremely well-cited format. This is absolutely a must-have for any Oz fan or film historian.” —Sean Barrett, theatrical/film producer and artistic director, Land of Oz, North Carolina “A new and wonderful book penned by the foremost Oz movie history authors. This is a must-read for all old and new Oz fans worldwide.” —Roger S. Baum, author of Dorothy of Oz (on which the film Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return is based) and great-grandson of L. Frank Baum “Numerous books have celebrated the fan appeal of MGM’s Wizard of Oz, but there’s far more to this story than nostalgia. Scarfone and Stillman delve deep into the history of this landmark film, exploring its place in the pantheon of classic fantasy films, as well as fascinating details of production. The Road to Oz is an important addition to the film-history bookshelf.” —J.B. Kaufman, film historian and author of The Fairest One of All: The Making of Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs “The Road to Oz is a gamechanger in the world of motion picture history books. Long considered the leading authorities on the making of The Wizard of Oz, Scarfone and Stillman have crafted decades of extensive research into a new and unparalleled historical recalling of the classic film.” —Randy L. Schmidt, editor of Judy Garland on Judy Garland: Interviews and Encounters and author of Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter

Unleash the magic of Seattle with this captivating guide! Embrace the city's vibrant energy, explore iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, and delve into hidden gems recommended by locals. Seattle: Emerald Enchantment is your one-stop resource for planning an unforgettable adventure in the Pacific Northwest. Geared for all types of travelers, this comprehensive guide offers something for everyone: History buffs can delve into Seattle's rich past and uncover the stories behind its iconic landmarks. Foodies can tantalize their taste buds with the city's renowned coffee culture and discover a diverse culinary scene. Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on thrilling hikes, explore scenic waterways by kayak, or simply relax amidst the beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests. Culture vultures can immerse themselves in Seattle's vibrant arts scene, catch a live music performance, or visit unique museums. This comprehensive guide features: Must-see attractions and hidden gems: Explore popular landmarks alongside off-the-beaten-path locations recommended by locals. Neighborhood guides: Discover the unique character of each district, from the bustling waterfront to the quirky charm of Capitol Hill. Practical travel tips: Navigate the city with ease using our suggested itineraries, transportation guides, and handy maps. Budget-friendly options: Discover affordable places to stay, eat, and explore, ensuring a memorable trip without breaking the bank. Appendices: Find valuable resources like official websites, downloadable maps, and a glossary of local terms to enhance your Seattle experience. More than just a travel guide, Seattle: Emerald Enchantment captures the city's essence, allowing you to experience its local charm and unforgettable atmosphere. Start planning your dream Seattle adventure today!

"At the foot of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains on the forested shores of Puget Sound, Seattle is set in a location of spectacular natural beauty, Boosters of the city have long capitalized on this splendor, recently likening it to the fairytale capital of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz, the Emerald City. But just as Dorothy, Toto, and their traveling companions discover a darker reality upon entering the green gates of the imaginary Emerald City. those who look more closely at Seattle's landscape will find that it reveals a history marked by environmental degradation and urban inequality. This book explores the role of nature in the development of the city of Seattle from the earliest days of its settlement to the present. Combining environmental history, urban history, and human geography, Matthew Klingle shows how attempts to reshape nature in and around Seattle have often ended not only in ecological disaster but also in social inequality. The price of Seattle's centuries of growth and progress has been high. Its wildlife, especially the famous Pacific salmon, and its poorest residents have paid the highest price. Klingle proposes a bold new way of understanding the interdependence between nature and culture, and he argues for what he calls an 'ethic of place.' Using Seattle as a compelling case study, he offers important insights for every city seeking to live in harmony with its natural landscape"--Provided by publisher.

Beginning with celebrated classics, the author locates King Kong (1933) within the era of lynching to evince how the film protects whiteness against supposed aggressions of a black predator and reviews The Wizard of Oz (1939) as a product of the Depression's economic anxieties. From there, the study moves to the cult classic animated Sinbad Trilogy (1958-1977) of Ray Harryhausen, films rampant with xenophobic fears of the Middle East as relevant today as when the series was originally produced. Advancing to more recent subjects, the author focuses on the image of the monstrous woman and the threat of reproductive freedom found in Aliens (1986), Jurassic Park (1993), and Species (1995) and on depictions of the mentally ill as dangerous deviants in 12 Monkeys (1996) and The Cell (2000). An investigation into physical freakishness guides his approach to Edward Scissorhands (1990) and Beauty and the Beast (1991).