The Mysterious Chronicles Of Oz, also known by its name of The Mysterious Chronicles of Oz, or Tip and the Sawhorse of Oz, is a 1985 novel based off of L. Frank Baum's Land of Oz series. It was written by James E. Nitch (under the Pen Name "Onyx Madden") and illustrated by J. Noel. The book features an introduction by Ray Bolger (who played the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz).
The book is set inbetween The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz. It explores Princess Ozma's feelings towards her recent gender transformation. Not feeling comfortable as "Ozma" yet, Ozma dresses up as Tip and goes on many adventures with the Sawhorse across Oz. This includes meeting the Cowardly Lion and Hungry Lion, as well as encountering Quox and the Fighting Trees.
The Mysterious Chronicles Of Oz is closer to L. Frank Baum's books than many other derivative books and features over 100 illustrations. Nitch develops his own interpretation of Oz and attempts to fill in various gaps from the Famous Forty, such as how Ozma got her Magical Mirror. It is safe for children, but it is written with older fans in mind and is dryer than Baum's stories.
This book provides examples of:
- Adaptation Name Change: The lands of Oz are renamed "the Land of Sky Blue Waters", "the Land of Purple Mountains", "the Golden West", and "Rosewood Meadows".
- Call-Forward: There are several cameos and origins given to post-Marvelous Land of Oz titles, such as what Jellia Jamb was doing before she came to the Emerald City.
- Interquel: The story takes place between the second and third Land of Oz books.
- Origins Episode: The origins of the Nome King and Roquat the Red are explored.
- Rebellious Princess: The Mysterious Chronicles of Oz starts off with Ozma being aggravated by her royal protocols and deciding to go on one last adventure before she settles down.
- Sweet Polly Oliver: Desiring one last adventure, Ozma dresses up as Tip. She can't reverse her transformation so she crossdresses instead.
