
In a quiet house where every adult is called away, young Martha finds herself alone with only her dolls for company. While tidying the dusty attic she discovers a massive, brass‑nail‑studded chest that her uncle left behind, sealed forever without a key. Her imagination ignites, and she scours the linen closet for a fitting key, determined to uncover the mystery hidden within.
After trying countless keys, a strangely shaped brass one finally turns, and the lid bursts open with a sudden click. To Martha’s astonishment, three oddly dressed men step out, their sun‑kissed faces and flamboyant costumes unlike anything she has ever seen. Their sudden appearance turns the ordinary attic into the doorway to a world of adventure, promising riddles, hidden histories, and perhaps a touch of enchantment.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (172K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2003-08-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1856–1919
Best known for creating the magical world of Oz, this American writer mixed fairy-tale wonder with humor, adventure, and a very modern sense of imagination. His stories have delighted children for generations and helped shape fantasy as we know it.
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