Bio Shorts

You know his books, now discover his life. For over 100 years, L. Frank Baum's classic fantasy series "The Wizard of Oz" has inspired films, books, and even fan clubs. Despite the success of the series, not a lot has been written about the author: L. Frank Baum. This biography looks at both the life and times of L. Frank Baum; it gives insight into what inspired him to write his classic novel, and provides a glimpse into his regular life.

Few famous humans came into the world under such humble circumstances as Abraham Lincoln on February 12, 1809. But it may very well be that the humble and unassuming life he lived actually served to shape him into the solid, moral, honest, decent, hard-working adult that he became. What were those circumstances, the formula so to speak, that molded this future president? This biography looks at the childhood and young adulthood of Abraham Lincoln.

★★★ In the shadow of every great man is a greater woman ★★★ T.E. Lawrence is often credited with bringing diplomacy to the Middle East; in the shadows of every great man you will often find an even greater woman. In Lawrence's case, that woman's name was Gertrude Bell. In a time when women didn't go to school, Bell did; in a time when women didn't join the army, Bell secured a job at the Army Intelligence Headquarters in Cairo; she spoke Arabic, Persian, French and German. She knew the Middle Eastern terrain and culture better than almost any Westerner of her time. In a male driven world, Bell managed to become one of the greatest policy makers the world has ever known; without her, the Middle East might very well be a much different place, and her influence in the territory gave her the nickname "Queen of the Desert." This biography tells the extraordinary story of one of the most adventurous and fascinating women you will ever encounter.