Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

Gregory Maguire is a prominent figure in the American literature landscape, celebrated for his flair in reshaping classic children's stories into complex, fantasy adult novels. Born on June 9, 1954, in Albany, New York, Maguire's literary pursuit began at the State University of New York, where he earned his BA and later, an MA and Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Tufts University. Maguire's greatest gift is his ability to breathe new life into old tales, artfully blending whimsy with deep philosophical themes resulting in vivid, captivating narratives that transcend the boundaries of age and time. Maguire gained worldwide recognition with his ingenious novel, "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West." This revisionist exploration of L. Frank Baum's illustrious “The Wizard of Oz” garnered critical and popular acclaim. It was later transformed into a Tony-award winning musical and remains Maguire's best-known work. In his illustrious career, he has published several other widely recognized novels, including "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister", a reinterpretation of Cinderella, and "Mirror, Mirror", a haunting distortion of Snow White, further cementing his reputation for fantastically twisted fairy tales. In addition to his imaginative novels, Maguire also made his mark in children's literature, demonstrating his versatile writing prowess. As a co-founder of Children's Literature New England, a non-profit educational charity established in 1987, he also showcases his dedication towards promoting awareness of the significance of literature in the lives of children. Gregory Maguire's unique approach, combined with his exceptional writing skills, illustrates his status as a dynamic and significant author, with a legacy that will continue to enrich the world of literature.