My friends at Streamroots Publishing reached out about this “new” title by an “old” author – L. Frank Baum – that most of us know from his Wizard of Oz series. Baum actually wrote quite a bit of novels for adults, and this one was first published in 1905. Now, fully restored and reprinted, here it is for 2026!

Streamroots sent me an article from Business Wire that highlights the title (full article found here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260616156474/en/Dropping-the-Baum-The-Wizard-of-Oz-Creators-Secret-1905-Novel-The-Fate-of-a-Crown-Steps-Into-the-Spotlight )

Published by Streamroots Heirloom, this curated Collector’s Edition is the first authoritative typographical restoration of Baum’s overlooked novel. Set during the 1889 Brazilian Revolution, the story delivers an immersive blend of political intrigue, romance, and action-adventure.

Previous editions of this classic contained flawed digital transcriptions or low-resolution scans. Streamroots Heirloom overcomes those obstacles, transforming Baum’s work into a premium reading experience tailored for modern young adult (YA) readers.

A Restored Masterpiece

Designed for Oz collectors, history enthusiasts, and families, the 256-page volume features:

• 50+ Striking Illustrations: All-new, period-style artwork
• Educational Tools: A historical timeline, a “Who’s Who” of the Brazilian Coup, and a Reader’s Guide
• “Hidden Chapter” Archive: A QR code unlocking 1889 photos, maps, original covers, and a Restorer’s Journal

Three Expressions of a Classic

In addition to print, Streamroots has engineered uncompromised digital and audio formats:

• Definitive eBook: A DRM-free, reflowable ePub pairing beautifully with the new illustrations
• Premier Audiobook: The thriller’s first audio production, delivered in M4B and MP3 formats

“When we stumbled upon this unknown classic, the narrative took us by surprise,” said Tiffany Nesbitt of Streamroots Publishing. “By pairing Baum’s riveting craftsmanship with all-new artwork and an uncompromised digital experience, we want to give readers the thrill of discovering the unexpected side of the man who created Oz.”

Experience L. Frank Baum as never before. Claim your beautifully restored 1905 thriller in print, audio, or digital formats today at streamroots.org/the-fate-of-a-crown.

The Fate of a Crown: Brief Summary (Without the Spoiler) from the Publisher:

Seeking an escape from his predictable life in New Orleans, young American Robert Harcliffe accepts a secretarial position in Brazil working for the wealthy Dom Miguel de Pintra. But Robert quickly discovers his new employer is no ordinary businessman—he is the mastermind behind a secret republican conspiracy plotting to overthrow the Brazilian monarchy.

Thrust into a dangerous world of political intrigue on the eve of the 1889 revolution, Robert must navigate murderous spies, sudden arrests, and a household fractured by shifting loyalties. The stakes reach a boiling point when a priceless, specially cut emerald ring is stolen. As the sole key to a hidden steel vault containing the rebellion’s treasury and most incriminating secrets, its loss threatens to destroy them all.

Robert is thrown into a desperate chase to recover the emerald before the movement is exposed. With the fate of an empire hanging in the balance, who can he truly trust?

About Streamroots: Streamroots Heirloom combines meticulous historical preservation with modern technological flexibility to transform forgotten literary classics into premium, immersive reading experiences. From curated physical Collector’s Editions to DRM-free digital formats and high-fidelity audiobooks, Streamroots pioneers the future of literary preservation. Visit streamroots.org.

Here’s a link to the website: https://streamroots.org/the-fate-of-a-crown/ with more information.