Lyman Frank Baum (1856-1919) is best known for being the author of The Wizard of Oz. In reality, the American writer has to his credit a vast literary output. Suffice it to say that the series of Oz includes thirteen other novels, are no less entertaining for the first and (often during the film with Judy Garland) is most famous. Of course, unlike other persons improperly presented as writers for children (think Swift or Carroll, but also in Stevenson or Jules Verne) Baum is a writer who has always worked for and was read mainly by an audience of children. However, the humor a bit 'paradoxical, not without a vein distraught, that runs through its pages makes it enjoyable even for adults. On the other hand, the criticism has not failed to notice the allusions and references to American politics of late nineteenth century scattered in the Wizard of Oz. How it is that, in this time of year is particularly suitable is another book by Baum: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus.


In the history of religion is not in the foreground, the fact that the deliveries take place on Christmas Eve comes from a random circumstance. The king does not want to remove the reindeer too often his animals. So they applied for and obtained that can accompany Santa Claus in his world tour one night a year, on Christmas Eve. However, this choice, which at first glance looks like a mere plot device brings out in a simple, universal meaning of Christmas.
Above all, however, the story contains a reflection on the human soul. The foundling of the forest has received Burzee welcome and affection. A love that wants to reciprocate by making children happy with his gifts. This is not a saccharine celebration of good feelings, but a common sense observation that is the simple moral of this tale. Moreover, the sentimentality is offset by the practical sense, when the last chapter Baum dissolves the dilemma of whether or not Santa Claus who scored the childhood of each of us. In his view there are representatives of Members of Santa Claus, toy manufacturers and parents. To them, the responsibility to live and make real Babbo Natale, anche dove questi non può arrivare con la sua slitta.
di
Maurizio Griffo