Interesting. Considering Baum was telling his children stories relating to "Oz" well before 1900 (when the book was originally published); and, I presume, was well before Hearst and Rockefeller had attained the level of prominence, power, and wealth that they had in the early 1900's; it becomes hard to tie together other than coincidence. Of course, I have no idea; I would be willing to read that theory and research the late 1800's histories of Hearst and Rockefeller. I have never read, nor seen it, but was not "Citizen Kane" a pseudo-fictional portrayal of Hearst? What time period did it cover? Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" has also been represented as a socio-political allegory. I just like a good read; plug for "Etidorhpa" (circa 1886, by John Uri Lloyd). If you've read it, or end up doing so; PM me with feedback. Sorry for off-topic ramble!