Aunt Jane's Nieces introduction

Edith Van Dyne, beloved and best selling author of girls' series novels, came into being decidedly under modest circumstances. Buried in the October 1905 contract between L. Frank Baum and his publisher was an agreement that Baum would write a book for young girls on the style of Louisa M. Alcott, but not as good. The authorship they advised be given to an "Ida May McFarlamd" or "Ethel Lynne" or some other made up female. How Edith Van Dyne came out of that is not known and the first book in the series was "Aunt Jane's Nieces" published in 1906 by Reilly & Lee. That book became a series of ten books Baum would write. Baum though later admitted he never thought in the beginning that the one book would become a series, and was so popular another author was produced after Baum's death in 1919 to continue the series.

Critics of the time praised the book "One can not make a mistake in getting "Aunt Jane's Nieces" for a young girl. It is an usually good story, finely told and ingenious in plot... You may guess the interest with which this story is followed by the reader, but you can not guess the skill with which it has been worked out by the writer. Not only is there a good moral to the tale but the little book is well written and extremely improbable plot admirably worked out".

The series became very popular to the point where Baum at times was pressured to give priority to the series. The series are sprinkled throughout with episodes from Baum's own experiences as well as subtle and not so subtle hints to Van Dyne's real identity. I do not want to go into full detail of the series as a whole but take it book by book. I was VERY fortunate and bought all 10 books from one seller for one price on E-bay. She is one of my favorite sellers and has exquisite things many of which when I can I buy. The series of 10 is a mix of published dates but the price could not be beat. All ten books for $140.00 which included shipping, a real steal in my opinion.

I want to stay with the first book as I am reading them in order and will post them in order as well as soon as I finish reading them. So I strongly I want to encourage you to stay tuned to this blog for updates about the series, the books I have and hopefully learn about a great series written by Baum himself.

This first book was written originally in 1906, was published by Reilly and Lee from Chicago. It was illustrated by E. A. Nelson, measures 7 3/8 x 5 1/8 and is 325 pages in length. The original price for this book was $1.00. The only illustration other than the cover is the one shown here right before the story actually begins and is just gorgeous to say the least.

My book happens to be a 6th printing done in 1909 has a light tan cloth cover. title is in italic print style an dis slanted. The book doesn't credit Van Dyne on the cover. My book is also marked on the end paper in pencil "To Ruth Genit: From Boby Schumann December 25, 1916". Which makes this owner wonder if it was a gift to a high school sweetheart--romantic thought huh.

This book deals with Aunt Jane who on her death bed summons to meet for the very time here three teen age nieces Beth, Patsy and Louise. She is determined which of her three nieces is worthy to inherit everything she has including her home Elmhurst Mansion. There are twists turns, a mystery boy, a mystery little ole man and a surprise ending as well which leave you t he reader stunned to say the least. If you want to know how it all ends e-mail me and I will let you in on the story.