Wicked Witch of the West: The Enduring Legacy of a Feminist Icon

An empowering look at one of pop culture's most enduring feminist icons, The Wicked Witch of the West.

More than 125 years after her introduction, the Wicked Witch of the West remains an icon of popular culture. Known by many names-from "The Wicked Witch of the West" to Evillene, Elphaba, and Theodora-she consistently defies expectations and wields her power unapologetically. At the heart of her everlasting appeal is her embodiment of feminist ideals that resonate today.

In Wicked Witch of the West: The Enduring Legacy of a Feminist Icon, Lona Bailey explores the radical feministic undertones of one of the most enduring characters in popular culture. Introduced in 1900 through L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Wicked Witch has captivated generations as both a symbol of fear and empowerment. More than just a villain, she embodies rebellion and resistance, refusing to conform to the roles historically assigned to women. This book traces her transformation over the past century, highlighting how she has evolved through countless adaptations from The Wizard of Oz to the film adaptation of Wicked while maintaining her core identity as a powerful, defiant figure.

To understand why the Witch remains captivating more than a century after her creation, Bailey delves into the radical feminism underlying her character and examines how she has been reinterpreted since her debut. From the suffrage movement to the fight for reproductive rights, and from the #MeToo movement to ongoing battles against gender stereotypes, the Witch symbolizes the struggles and triumphs women face. Her presence transcends mere performance; she serves as a reminder that the fight for justice, equality, and autonomy continues. By exploring the Witch's feminist evolution, readers will gain insight into why her character resonates with generations of women.

Author: Lona Bailey
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Published: 10/02/2025
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.09lbs
Size: 9.24h x 6.30w x 0.76d
ISBN: 9798881808228

About the Author
Lona Bailey, PhD, is a distinguished researcher specializing in the Golden Age of Hollywood, renowned for her biographies including Uncredited: The Life and Career of Actress Virginia Gregg and Voice of Villainy: The Betty Lou Gerson Story among many others. With a PhD and a background as a former therapist, she is dedicated to illuminating the overlooked narratives of women in Hollywood. Her work has earned accolades such as being a finalist in the International Book Awards for Voice of Villainy and winning the Gold Medal Award in Dan Poynter's Global Ebook Awards Contest in 2023. Dr. Bailey is an Amazon-bestselling author and has been featured in outlets such as The Wolfe Den Show, Film Daily, and The Los Angeles Tribune. She resides in her home state, Tennessee.