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Tom Swift Jr. #1
Tom Swift and His Flying Lab
Tom Swift - boy genius - outsmarts evil scientists, solves confounding mysteries, and builds incredible rocket ships, atomic energy plants, submarines, airplanes, robots, and mind-boggling inventions for the good of mankind!
Join Tom as he journeys to the unknown and faces new challenges in -
TOM SWIFT AND HIS FLYING LAB
Other action-packed adventures starring Tom Swift Jr.:
Tom Swift and His Jetmarine
Tom Swift and His Rocket Ship
Tom Swift and His Giant Robot
Tom Swift and His Sky Wheel
Tom Swift in the Caves of Nuclear Fire
Victor Appleton II. Tom Swift and His Flying Lab. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, [1978]. Tempo Books. A Filmsway Company. 208 pages.
Join Tom as he journeys to the unknown and faces new challenges in -
TOM SWIFT AND HIS FLYING LAB
Other action-packed adventures starring Tom Swift Jr.:
Tom Swift and His Jetmarine
Tom Swift and His Rocket Ship
Tom Swift and His Giant Robot
Tom Swift and His Sky Wheel
Tom Swift in the Caves of Nuclear Fire
Victor Appleton II. Tom Swift and His Flying Lab. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, [1978]. Tempo Books. A Filmsway Company. 208 pages.
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1954
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About the author
Victor Appleton II
122 books22 followerssee also Victor Appleton
The character of Tom Swift was conceived in 1910 by Edward Stratemeyer, founder of the Stratemeyer Syndicate, a book-packaging company. Stratemeyer invented the series to capitalize on the market for children's science adventure. The Syndicate's authors created the Tom Swift books by first preparing an outline with all the plot elements, followed by drafting and editing the detailed manuscript. The books were published under the house name of Victor Appleton. Edward Stratemeyer and Howard Garis wrote most of the volumes in the original series; Stratemeyer's daughter, Harriet Stratemeyer Adams, wrote the last three volumes. The first Tom Swift series ended in 1941.
In 1954, Harriet Adams created the Tom Swift, Jr., series, which was published under the name "Victor Appleton II". Most titles were outlined and plotted by Adams. The texts were written by various writers, among them William Dougherty, John Almquist, Richard Sklar, James Duncan Lawrence, Tom Mulvey and Richard McKenna. The Tom Swift, Jr., series ended in 1971.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Swift
The character of Tom Swift was conceived in 1910 by Edward Stratemeyer, founder of the Stratemeyer Syndicate, a book-packaging company. Stratemeyer invented the series to capitalize on the market for children's science adventure. The Syndicate's authors created the Tom Swift books by first preparing an outline with all the plot elements, followed by drafting and editing the detailed manuscript. The books were published under the house name of Victor Appleton. Edward Stratemeyer and Howard Garis wrote most of the volumes in the original series; Stratemeyer's daughter, Harriet Stratemeyer Adams, wrote the last three volumes. The first Tom Swift series ended in 1941.
In 1954, Harriet Adams created the Tom Swift, Jr., series, which was published under the name "Victor Appleton II". Most titles were outlined and plotted by Adams. The texts were written by various writers, among them William Dougherty, John Almquist, Richard Sklar, James Duncan Lawrence, Tom Mulvey and Richard McKenna. The Tom Swift, Jr., series ended in 1971.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Swift
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 22, 2011
I don't know why, but I absolutely adore these old science fiction books. Very much in the vein of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys.
August 30, 2016
What was the first science fiction novel that you ever read? For a long time, the answer to that question, for me, would have been Arthur C. Clarke's 1953 classic "Childhood's End," which Mr. Miller, back in high school, made us all read for English class. (A very hip teacher, that Mr. Miller!) Upon further reflection, however, it has struck me that I probably read Jules Verne's 1864 classic "A Journey to the Center of the Earth" back in junior high school, and that, going back to late public school, there was the series of books featuring teenage inventor Tom Swift, Jr. Baby boomers may perhaps recall how very popular these books were back when, vying for sales with such other series as The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. But whereas those other two series continue to be published to this very day, in new editions, the Swift books have (for the moment, anyway) fallen into oblivion.
Fifty years ago, however, things were quite different, and the 33 novels in the Tom Swift, Jr. series (which started in 1954 and ran till 1971), with such imagination-stimulating titles as "Tom Swift and His Deep-Sea Hydrodome," "Tom Swift and His Spectromarine Selector," "Tom Swift and His Triphibian Atomicar," "Tom Swift and His Repelatron Skyway" and "Tom Swift and His Polar-Ray Dynasphere"--not to mention wonderful cover artwork by J. Graham Kaye and Charles Brey--were enormous best sellers. What I and most other kids were not aware of at the time, however, was that this series was merely the sequel to an earlier, equally successful run of books featuring Tom's father, Tom Swift, Sr.; a series of books that began with the more mundanely titled "Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle" in 1910 and wrapped up in 1941, after a run of 40 novels. Those original books were written by various authors using the pseudonym "Victor Appleton," and thus, appropriately enough, the second series was attributed to the equally pseudonymous "Victor Appleton II." (For an exhaustively detailed article on these two series, plus two other series that were to follow, I would suggest the Wikipedia entry on the subject.) Feeling in a nostalgic mood just recently, this reader decided to take in the very first book in the Swift, Jr. series, 1954's "Tom Swift and His Flying Lab," which I'd been fortunate enough to find in the children's section of NYC bookstore extraordinaire The Strand; a great $5 bargain, indeed, for the original hardcover edition!
The book, naturally, introduces us to Tom Swift, Jr., who, as it turns out, has inherited his father's genius for inventing in spades. Working alongside his Dad at the Swift Enterprises complex in Shopton, U.S.A., 18-year-old Jr., when we first meet him, is putting the finishing touches on his latest project, the Sky Queen, aka The Flying Lab: an enormous, three-level airplane that is capable of vertical takeoffs and supersonic travel speeds, and that contains a full suite of multifunctional laboratories. The atomic-powered supercraft also has ample room to carry a miniature plane, dubbed the Kangaroo Kub, as well as a small helicopter, the Skeeter. But just as Tom, Jr. is ironing out the final wrinkles in his latest creation, two more challenges crop up to further complicate his young life. The first is the crash-landing, in the middle of the Swift runway, of an object from space: a cigar-shaped artifact covered with symbols in an alien writing. (Tom intermittently tries to decipher the meaning of these symbols throughout the novel, but its ultimate resolution, I gather, is left for a future book.) More pressing for Tom and his associates is a request from Hemispak, an international scientific society, to (a) help in the recovery of some kidnapped scientists in the South American country code-named Bapcho; (b) assist in the finding of Bapcho's legendary uranium deposits; and (c) aid in the quashing of a rebellion by the Bapcho separatists in Verano (isn't that Spanish for "summer"?).
And so, off goes Tom and his best bud, Bud Barclay (who's not nearly as bright as Tom but, football player that he is, is good to have around in a fight), as well as Tom Swift, Sr. and Texan cook Chow Winkler (a roly-poly ex-cowboy fond of such phrases as "Brand my fuselage," "Brand my tall pines" and "Brand my navy beans"; the supposed comedy relief character who is rarely amusing and who I can't help imagining being portrayed by Andy Devine), aboard the newly completed Flying Lab, to see what they might accomplish....
I inferred earlier that these Tom Swift novels probably served as introductions to the wonderful world of sci-fi for an entire generation of readers, although to be honest, this initial Swift, Jr. outing only features minimal s-f content; later installments, as the titles themselves indicate, would veer more solidly into sci-fi territory. What science fictional elements exist in this first novel are essentially limited to the numerous inventions that the teenaged genius comes up with; otherwise, "Tom Swift and His Flying Lab" is more of an action/adventure story for young readers. Besides the Flying Lab, which would figure in later novels, Tom also puts together, during the course of this introductory book, a security amulet used in conjunction with Swift Enterprises' radar; an infrared penlight; the Damonscope (a super Geiger counter, capable of detecting uranium from many miles up); the Swift Spectrograph, capable of instantaneous analysis; and a brand-new combination of elements, dubbed "magnalloy," for the Flying Lab's jet lifters. Bright boy, that Tom!
The book, to its credit, is extremely fast moving, with each chapter ending in cliffhanger fashion, and "Appleton II" (for this book, the author's actual name, I believe, was James Duncan Lawrence) dishes out any number of action set pieces. Among them: an attack on the small commuter plane that Tom and his sister Sandy are test-flying; the frantic search for Sandy after she is kidnapped; the discovery of a ticking time bomb aboard the Flying Lab; Tom and fellow engineer Hank's escape after being kidnapped themselves; Tom's fight with a Verano plotter near an open hatch while the Flying Lab is in flight (perhaps the hairiest moment for the young inventor during this adventure); a stubbornly insistent, magnetic homing missile that is fired at the Sky Queen; an avalanche that nearly does Tom and his chums in; and, of course, the ultimate rescue of those missing scientists. Nary a dull moment, as they say.
So, how well does Tom Swift, Jr. hold up for a middle-aged adult, many decades past the books' target audience of, say, 10- to 13-year-olds? Well, I'm not going to lie to you. "Tom Swift and His Flying Lab" is rather clunkily written, with a lack of convincing descriptive detail, an overly abrupt ending, superficial characterizations, failed humor, and villains who just aren't quite as nasty as they could be. Perhaps things change as the series progresses. Again, these books were written for a pre-YA audience. But make no mistake: They are real books, each of the hardcovers being nearly 200 pages long. For an adult, they should provide some simple, nostalgic fun; for tweens, they should make for perfectly acceptable, exciting fare. Personally, I enjoyed this first outing so well that I have actually tracked down and purchased another novel from the series for future light reading; book 23, "Tom Swift and His Aquatomic Tracker" (1964). Stay tuned....
(By the way, this review originally appeared on the FanLit website at http://www.fantasyliterature.com/ ... a perfect destination for all fans of this type of fare....)
September 27, 2024
The original Tom Swift series began in 1910: forty juvenile science fiction novels produced under the pseudonym Victor Appleton, most written by Howard R. Garis. In 1954 the franchise returned with Tom Swift, Jr., a scientific mind at least as brilliant as his father all those years earlier. The two Toms heavily invest their time and energy in Swift Enterprises, creating technology to fuel humanity's advance toward an era of unprecedented prosperity. On page one of Tom Swift and His Flying Lab, Swift Enterprises is in for a surprise when a meteor hurtles from the sky. Strange symbols adorn the crafted piece of hot metal, clearly designed by intelligent beings, but what is its message? Tom wants to prioritize decoding the symbols, but that will have to wait. He, his father, and the other engineers at Swift Enterprises are on the verge of completing their Flying Lab, a fully stocked science station that will be able to travel anywhere, perhaps even into space, on fact-finding expeditions. The Flying Lab may be the Swifts' greatest achievement.
Such innovation inevitably attracts rivals obsessed with stealing the technology for themselves, however. Despite precautions taken against potential spies, Swift Enterprises is infiltrated by a group plotting to seize the Flying Lab and use it for unethical purposes. Part of a rebel coalition based in the South American splinter state of Verano, these pirates stage a flurry of attacks on Tom and his family. Pedro Canova, Fritz Manuel, and Vladimir Contes—the three ringleaders—will kill the Swifts if that's what it takes to steal their technology. Recognizing the urgency of stopping these men, Tom and his father join forces with Señor Carlos Ricardo of the Hemispak Scientific Society, an organization devoted to scientific progress in the Western world. The Veranos pose an existential threat to Hemispak, and must be neutralized.
An old legend indicates there is a mountain in South America rich in underground uranium. The technology hasn't existed to confirm the legend, but Tom wants to use the Flying Lab to do just that. The super-Geiger counter the Swifts recently perfected can be used from thousands of miles up to detect radioactive materials, but isn't quite powerful enough for this mission until Tom comes up with a radical idea that could change the face of science. His Damonscope, named in honor of the late Wakefield Damon from the original Tom Swift series, would enable Tom to take a deep look into the earth from more than 10,000 feet in the air, exactly what he needs to discover the massive uranium deposit hinted at in the old legend. He and a few trusted associates embark on the aerial journey to South America, but the air crackles with tension as the Veranos pursue Tom, intending to eliminate the teenage inventor and hijack his Flying Lab. Can Tom locate the uranium and turn the tables on the pirates before they deal a devastating blow to the future of global scientific cooperation?
Tom Swift and His Flying Lab is an improvement over the first book of the original series, Tom Swift and His Motor-Cycle. The story is smoother, the action faster and more interesting. The writing is dry and not always easy to follow, but the villains feel like a real threat, and that kept me engaged as I read. I'd rate this book one and a half stars and definitely round up to two; Tom uses his brilliant brain to its utmost whenever his back is against the wall, and watching him get out of seemingly hopeless predicaments on his quest for scientific enlightenment is entertaining no matter which iteration of the series you're reading. I'm a lifelong fan of the Tom Swift franchise.
Such innovation inevitably attracts rivals obsessed with stealing the technology for themselves, however. Despite precautions taken against potential spies, Swift Enterprises is infiltrated by a group plotting to seize the Flying Lab and use it for unethical purposes. Part of a rebel coalition based in the South American splinter state of Verano, these pirates stage a flurry of attacks on Tom and his family. Pedro Canova, Fritz Manuel, and Vladimir Contes—the three ringleaders—will kill the Swifts if that's what it takes to steal their technology. Recognizing the urgency of stopping these men, Tom and his father join forces with Señor Carlos Ricardo of the Hemispak Scientific Society, an organization devoted to scientific progress in the Western world. The Veranos pose an existential threat to Hemispak, and must be neutralized.
An old legend indicates there is a mountain in South America rich in underground uranium. The technology hasn't existed to confirm the legend, but Tom wants to use the Flying Lab to do just that. The super-Geiger counter the Swifts recently perfected can be used from thousands of miles up to detect radioactive materials, but isn't quite powerful enough for this mission until Tom comes up with a radical idea that could change the face of science. His Damonscope, named in honor of the late Wakefield Damon from the original Tom Swift series, would enable Tom to take a deep look into the earth from more than 10,000 feet in the air, exactly what he needs to discover the massive uranium deposit hinted at in the old legend. He and a few trusted associates embark on the aerial journey to South America, but the air crackles with tension as the Veranos pursue Tom, intending to eliminate the teenage inventor and hijack his Flying Lab. Can Tom locate the uranium and turn the tables on the pirates before they deal a devastating blow to the future of global scientific cooperation?
Tom Swift and His Flying Lab is an improvement over the first book of the original series, Tom Swift and His Motor-Cycle. The story is smoother, the action faster and more interesting. The writing is dry and not always easy to follow, but the villains feel like a real threat, and that kept me engaged as I read. I'd rate this book one and a half stars and definitely round up to two; Tom uses his brilliant brain to its utmost whenever his back is against the wall, and watching him get out of seemingly hopeless predicaments on his quest for scientific enlightenment is entertaining no matter which iteration of the series you're reading. I'm a lifelong fan of the Tom Swift franchise.
June 28, 2015
The Tom Swift, Jr., books were a fun, upbeat, and interesting adventure series published for kids from 1954 to 1971 that promoted science, fair-play, patriotism, and team-work; they were good, positive books. The series served as a sequel to the original Tom Swift series that appeared from 1910 to the beginnings of World War II; Tom and his sister, Sandy, are the children of the first Tom and his wife, Mary Nestor; Tom's girlfriend Phyllis Newton is the daughter of Tom Sr.'s sidekick Ned Newton (now Uncle Ned to Tom and Sandy); the family home is still located in Shopton along Lake Carlopa, etc. It's nice that the continuity is preserved rather than just being over-written as happened to The Hardy Boys; in the first Tom Jr., book beings make contact that were first hinted at in the final real Tom Sr., book, Planet Stone, and throughout the series references to the history are made such as naming a device the Damonscope in honor of a character from the first series, Mr. Wakefield Damon. In addition to the Swifts and Newtons, Tom Jr. has his own sidekick, Bud Barclay, and there are several interesting supporting characters such as Phil Radnor, Harlan Ames (I wonder if Harlan Ellison was the inspiration for the name?), Hank Sterling, Miss Trent (who I don't believe ever had a first name), and especially Chow Winkler, Tom's cook, a former "Texas chuck-wagon" cook who was given to a variety of wild and unlikely expressions such as, "Well, brand my space biscuits!" The earlier books had nice covers, end-papers, and illustrations: Graham Kaye and Charles Brey provided the art for the first twenty-five volumes, followed by Edward Moretz, after which the artistic (as well as the literary) quality starting going downhill. Tom invented and built many fantastic inventions (but remember it was the '50s and '60s), and had many exciting adventures along with his friends and family. They faced off against saboteurs and spies and the evil Brungarians but their good spirits and hard work and can-do attitude always paid off in the end. The continuity didn't always hold logically from book to book, and looking back it's easy to pick apart one thing or another, but they were fun and fine books in their time. This first volume has an odd cover where Tom's head appears to be too large. It's one of the slowest-starting books in the series, but sets the stage well for things to come and introduces the key players.
January 5, 2023
Wasn't as science fiction as I was expecting, but it was very exciting.
August 31, 2016
review of
'Victor Appleton II''s Tom Swift and His Flying Lab
by tENTATIVELY, a cONVENIENCE - July 16, 2012
This is the 3rd serialized bk targeted to boys that I've (re)read in the recent past in my project of revisiting bks I originally read probably between ages 7 & 9. This revisitation project started as a side-effect of answering an interview question posited to me by my friend the poet/essayist Alan Davies regarding what I read as a child. In answer, I mentioned the Tom Swift Jr series. Given that I read them 50 yrs or so ago, I didn't necessarily remember them vividly.
The 1st Tom Swift series (Sr, as it were), starting in 1910, were ghostwritten under the pseudonym "Victor Appleton", & this 2nd series, starting in 1954, under "Victor Appleton II". Since I was born in 1953, I think of this series as being somewhat directed at my generation of post-'WWII' baby-boomers.
I've already reviewed the Hardy Boys bk The Clue in the Embers ( http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13... ) & the "Rick Brant Electronic Adventure" The Lost City ( http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45... ). In both of these reviews, I try to both explain what was inspiring & likable to me about these bks & try to analyze their subtext of popular American attitudes at the time - esp racist & imperialist ones.
Hardy Boys:
"""Ladinos," the explorer explained, "are Spanish-speaking, mixed-breed people. They are very proud and do no manual work like laboring in the fields or carrying loads. Mainly, they own stores and cantinas in the towns and villages and hold political offices.""
"Now, I sortof cringe when I read of people described in terms of "breeding". It makes me think of 'good breeding' (rich people) & 'ill bred' (poor people) or of mating a poodle w/ a pit-bull or something. It reeks of nazi genetics."
Rick Brant:
"In other words, this is formulaic writing meant to encourage 'white' boys to be resourceful in 'conquering' the world - wch is, of course, their oyster.
"This isn't really as 'bad' as my use of the word 'conquering' implies. The use of far-flung locales (in relation to the New Jersey origins of the young men) is a way of introducing parts of the world to the readers to get their imaginations 'out of the box' & into a wider world. In this story, the main villain is an impeccably dressed 'white' man from the Netherlands wearing a clean white suit - & 'our heros' fall for him as someone to be trusted b/c of this appearance. On the other hand, the most helpful character is an impoverished young Indian lad who's dirty & ragged & who speaks pigeon-English & who the protagonists make the mistake of not taking seriously. SO, there's a bit of parody of American stereotyping."
I vaguely remember liking the Hardy Boys the most & Tom Swift Jr not so much. I might've read every HB I cd get my hands on & just a few TSs from time-to-time. As I was about to (re)read this 1 I had a slight expectation that I'd like it more now b/c it's more SF than the HB bks. Instead, I disliked it considerably more than the Hardy Boys or the Rick Brant b/c the negative (for me) political subtext was even more exaggerated.
Basically, tho, the formulaicness commented on in my Brant review extends across all 3 of these serials. Some young 'white' men, probably based in the North East United States, have an extraordinary father from whom they learn extraordinary skills. They become embroiled in some activity that involves an 'exotic' locale (South America in this bk & in The Clue in the Embers, the Himalayas in The Lost City) & whatever scientific activity they're involved w/ becomes immediately sabotaged by mysterious people. Chances are they're 'rebels' or some other sort of threatening military possibility not 'validated' by a government recognized by the US.
The protagonists, like cartoon characters, spring back from their frequent injuries & death-defying predicaments w/ only minor consequences. Hence, no matter how many times they're hit on the head, they never suffer permanent brain-damage that creates personality change. No matter how many times they run from landslides or volcanos they never even sprain an ankle. If only! In the end, of course, their superhuman courage, technical know-how, & red-blooded Americanism triumphs over all those sniveling evil inferior peoples & some sort of 'advance' is made in the world at large. In other words, this is pure fantasy disguised as some sort of 'realistic' daydream for 'white' boys growing up into Future Leaders. I wonder: how many CIA agents grew up on this stuff & bought it hook, line, & sinker?
I don't mind being stimulated to fantastic daydreams, having an imagination is important. I DO mind the imperialistic dehumanizing that demonizes people in such a casual way. Ultimately, it paves the ideological road to plunder.
An organization called "Hemispak" is introduced as a key player early on:
""Hemispak! The scientific society of the Americas!" Mr. Swift cried. "The group formed to pool information and resources for the protection of the Western Hemisphere!"
Wow! Right away I'm reminded of the S.O.A. (School of the Americas) now known as WHINSEC:
"The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) (formerly named School of the Americas) is a United States Department of Defense Institute located at Fort Benning near Columbus, Georgia in the United States. Authorized by US Congress through 10 USC 2166 in 2001,[1] WHINSEC "Provides professional education and training to eligible personnel of nations of the Western Hemisphere within the context of the democratic principles set forth in the Charter of the Organization of American States[2] (such charter being a treaty to which the United States is a party), while fostering mutual knowledge, transparency, confidence, and cooperation among the participating nations and promoting democratic values, respect for human rights, and knowledge and understanding of United States customs and traditions.[3] Throughout the decade since its establishment, WHINSEC has provided training for more than 13,000 US and International students. Its educational format incorporates guest lecturers and subject matter experts from sectors of US and International government, non-government, human rights, law enforcement, academic institutions and interagency departments[4] to share best practices in pursuit of improved security cooperation between all nations of the Western Hemisphere." - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_...
"World War II was the "good war". After that conflict, most Americans believed that US intentions in the world were noble -- the US was the punisher of aggression and a warrior for freedom. This image was for generations of Americans the measure by which they judged their country in world affairs. The war in Vietnam ended the illusion that America was always on the "right side". Today, America's image as a defender of democracy and justice has been further eroded by the School of the Americas (SOA), which trains Latin American and Caribbean military officers and soldiers to subvert democracy and kill hope in their own countries. "Founded by the United States in 1946, the SOA was initially located in Panama, but in 1984 it was kicked out under the terms of the Panama Canal Treaty and moved to the army base at Fort Benning, Georgia. Then-President of Panama Jorge Illueca called it "the biggest base for de-stabilization in Latin America," and a major Panamanian newspaper dubbed it " The School of Assassins."" - http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Ter...
Perhaps it seems far-fetched of me to bring up Tom Swift and His Flying Lab's Hemispak & the S.O.A.. Consider this, by the next page (p 21) after Hemispak's introduction, the threat of torture is given by a still-unknown enemy. Torture? In a kid's bk? As it turns out, the torture is being threatened by some 'rebels':
""my country is having trouble with a certain group of its people - the Veranos. Verano is really a splinter state, run by rebels who broke away from the mother country. They carry on continual guerrilla warfare against us." - p 32
On no more info than the word of a newly met man, the Swifts immediately accept this word w/o further explanation & accept the Veranos as their enemy. No questions are asked as to WHY the 'rebels' might rebel - such niceties don't fit into this world of simpletons.
""Will you and your father help us thwart these dangerous rebels?"
"TOM'S EYES gleamed with eagerness as he waited a moment for his father's reply to the South American's question. This could be a high adventure!
""We need the help of you Swifts and your wonderful inventions," continued Señor Ricardo as he pressed his case, "both to locate our missing scientists and to investigate the presence of uranium deposits."
""I'd like to do it!" Tom cried. "What do you think, Dad?"
"Mr. Swift, more cautious, asked whether Ricardo's government had tried to find the scientists.
""Yes, but we have not succeeded," the South American replied. "We believe if someone from a North American country came there the rebels would not - what you say - catch on."" - pp 34-35
This is so ridiculous at so many levels that it irks me to even feel compelled to explain it to any degree. ONE "North American" (read: US) family (who happen to be fabulously wealthy & powerful - but, of course, they 'deserve' it?!) will succeed where a government has failed despite being unfamiliar w/ the country they're about to intercede in. Furthermore, the rebels will be taken off-guard even tho that's already been demonstrated to be not true by the rebels having already started to try to prevent the Swift's interference. Go figger.
Another subtext of all this crap is that the Swifts & their allies are just nice ordinary folks who happen to be scientific geniuses. B/c they're American scientists anything that they do is for the good of mankind. Sure, the enemy scientists are clever too (even, perhaps, diabolically clever - as the 'bad guys' are in Michael Crichton's propagandistic State of Fear: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15... ) but, you know, they're the bad guys & we don't even need to question their motives, do we? I mean, they're just greedy or sumpin'. Science is good, American science is even better, the world's resources belong in the hands of American scientists & their allies (read: puppets). In this case, the resource that's the crux of the matter is uranium.
""Are we going to dig tonight for that stuff what's goin' to make us all rich?" Chow asked. "I sure could use any extry wad of bills."
""That'll be Tom's next neat trick," Bud spoke up. "How to turn uranium into a bank roll in one easy lesson."" - p 146
Now, THAT, of course, isn't GREED. It's just good old American boy common sense & good humor. Really, tho, the fantasy of this bk is filled w/ get-rich-quick schemes. Tom Swift Sr & Jr can both invent the most miraculous things in very short time and get them built at their (not-very) well-protected HQ by their employees in record time. Atomic thrusters? Coming right up! All b/c of their natural genius combined w/ good old American know-how.
"It took the combined efforts of all four of the party to maneuver the tremendous nylon netting over the body and wings of the plane. For half an hour they sweated and strained, but at last the job was done." - p 146
"At this very moment the two men were hard at work in good-sized pits which they had laboriously hewed out of the rocky tableland between the two peaks." - p 158
Are these guys on speed?! B/c, even if they were, the above wd be impossible. To hand-wrangle a giant camouflage netting over a huge jet in a half hr by hand is pretty unrealistic. To dig "good-sized pits" w/ picks & shovel in a matter less than 2 hrs out of ROCK is utterly ridiculous. Have these ghost writers ever done any manual labor?! Ok, ok, it's a kid's bk, a fantasy, it's not supposed to be realistic. But my argument here is that this is propaganda aimed at boys to inculcate them w/ a feeling of being supermen. As they grow into adults they can always get Free Trade slave labor to do the actual work.
Despite the Swifts being taken in by imposters (&, of course, gassed or clunked on the head or what-not w/o serious after-effect), they're still quick to jump to conclusions that're so lacking in deductive substance one's amazed by their otherwise 'brilliant' careers as scientists:
""From South America!" Tom cried. "If that man dropped this, then I'd say he's one of the rebels."" - p 47
"Then Tom questioned, "Who is their leader? Apparently they're only stooges for a higher-up - someone of a different nationality, perhaps."" - p 188
Eureka! The rebels in South America are just stooges (unlike Tom & his friends) for a foreign power. I wonder who that cd be? At the formulaic usual moment when our heros are held captive & when their captor needn't worry any longer about their knowing everything b/c they're about to die or whatever:
""First, I will tell you a little about myself. I am a Eurasian by birth."
[His dad must've been Fu Manchu!]
"Eurasian! Hanson and Chow instantly thought of Leeskol, the Eurasian who Rip Hulse had captured. Had the two been in league?"
"The man continued, "By choice I serve Europe or Asia, whichever suits my purposes best."
""You mean you ain't got a country you stick to?" Chow burst out.
""Is that so necessary?" the man asked suavely, a sardonic smile playing over his face.
""It sure is!" Chow cried. "Why, you low-down-"" - p 193
Chow reminds me of the captured Texan soldiers interviewed in the 2004 documentary Control Room: 'I just follow orders.' Patriotism vs free thinking. This Swift bk pretends to support the latter while firmly supporting the former - just like all the other American propaganda I grew up w/.
""I said you were smart," he remarked. "Now you are becoming sensible too. You will call me Vladimir."" - p 195
Yep, we weren't fooled! This Eurasian's one of those commie Russkies! &, yep, Tom's a quick thinker alright (as will be most of his readers):
""Ordep?" Tom repeated to himself. Then he realized what it was - Pedro spelled backward!" - p 94
All of these boys bks have comic supporting characters. In the Hardy Boys it's Chet Morton, who loves to eat alot. In Tom Swift Jr it's Chow, the cook, who loves to eat alot. Overeaters are comic relief. At bottom, of course, these characters are another variety of good ole boy:
"Chow waved a stout rope he was carrying.
""I'll tie that Leeskol up myself! Nobody can double-cross Uncle Sam when I'm around an' get away with it!"" - p 122
Yee-haw! Ride 'em cowboy! Yep, the myth of the Cowboys & the Injuns lives on:
"the Indians suddenly appeared again.
""They're going to shoot!" Hanson cried. "Run!"
""Wait!" Chow cried.
"To everyone's amazement, he stepped forward and haltingly spoke a jargon of guttural sounds. Slowly, smiles of understanding broke out on the faces of the Indians.
""What are you telling them?" Tom asked.
""That I fetched 'em some presents from the Lone Star State."
""Presents?"
""Sure thing. I'd never get caught in Injun country without some little ole knickknacks."
"From a pocket he pulled several cheap bracelets, rings, brooches, and four pearl necklaces, and distributed them." - pp 122-123
Well.. not only do these good ole boys have their own security force at the family plant, they also have the power to call upon the local police force every day or so as their various family members get shot at or kidnapped or whatever (how DO they survive?!). But, NO, that's not all!:
"Tom put in a long-distance call to the capital of Bapcho [the code-name for the South American country] asking for the president's office. After a seemingly interminable wait, he was finally connected." - p 132
Yep, Tom can just go to one of them thar Banana Republics & call up the president. But he had to wait! We'll have to do something about that!
& what's the motive for all this? ""And what ore! The richest deposit in the world - and all for Verano and her ally. It will make her the richest nation in this part of the globe. And wealth means power!"" - p 201
Right. That last quote's from a rebel leader & it's obviously meant to be 'bad guy' logic but, of course, it's no different from the 'good guy' logic. It's just that it's ok for the rich American industrialists to go into a South American country & plunder its natural resources that can be used for making nuclear weapons & it's NOT ok for those evil commies to do it. I shd qualify here that communism is never mentioned directly, it's only implied.
Online, the Swift bks are credited w/ foreseeing inventions. In the light of my political criticism above, I found this particularly interesting:
"Several inventions, including the taser, have been directly inspired by the fictional inventions. "TASER" is an acronym for "Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle."" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Swift
'Victor Appleton II''s Tom Swift and His Flying Lab
by tENTATIVELY, a cONVENIENCE - July 16, 2012
This is the 3rd serialized bk targeted to boys that I've (re)read in the recent past in my project of revisiting bks I originally read probably between ages 7 & 9. This revisitation project started as a side-effect of answering an interview question posited to me by my friend the poet/essayist Alan Davies regarding what I read as a child. In answer, I mentioned the Tom Swift Jr series. Given that I read them 50 yrs or so ago, I didn't necessarily remember them vividly.
The 1st Tom Swift series (Sr, as it were), starting in 1910, were ghostwritten under the pseudonym "Victor Appleton", & this 2nd series, starting in 1954, under "Victor Appleton II". Since I was born in 1953, I think of this series as being somewhat directed at my generation of post-'WWII' baby-boomers.
I've already reviewed the Hardy Boys bk The Clue in the Embers ( http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13... ) & the "Rick Brant Electronic Adventure" The Lost City ( http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45... ). In both of these reviews, I try to both explain what was inspiring & likable to me about these bks & try to analyze their subtext of popular American attitudes at the time - esp racist & imperialist ones.
Hardy Boys:
"""Ladinos," the explorer explained, "are Spanish-speaking, mixed-breed people. They are very proud and do no manual work like laboring in the fields or carrying loads. Mainly, they own stores and cantinas in the towns and villages and hold political offices.""
"Now, I sortof cringe when I read of people described in terms of "breeding". It makes me think of 'good breeding' (rich people) & 'ill bred' (poor people) or of mating a poodle w/ a pit-bull or something. It reeks of nazi genetics."
Rick Brant:
"In other words, this is formulaic writing meant to encourage 'white' boys to be resourceful in 'conquering' the world - wch is, of course, their oyster.
"This isn't really as 'bad' as my use of the word 'conquering' implies. The use of far-flung locales (in relation to the New Jersey origins of the young men) is a way of introducing parts of the world to the readers to get their imaginations 'out of the box' & into a wider world. In this story, the main villain is an impeccably dressed 'white' man from the Netherlands wearing a clean white suit - & 'our heros' fall for him as someone to be trusted b/c of this appearance. On the other hand, the most helpful character is an impoverished young Indian lad who's dirty & ragged & who speaks pigeon-English & who the protagonists make the mistake of not taking seriously. SO, there's a bit of parody of American stereotyping."
I vaguely remember liking the Hardy Boys the most & Tom Swift Jr not so much. I might've read every HB I cd get my hands on & just a few TSs from time-to-time. As I was about to (re)read this 1 I had a slight expectation that I'd like it more now b/c it's more SF than the HB bks. Instead, I disliked it considerably more than the Hardy Boys or the Rick Brant b/c the negative (for me) political subtext was even more exaggerated.
Basically, tho, the formulaicness commented on in my Brant review extends across all 3 of these serials. Some young 'white' men, probably based in the North East United States, have an extraordinary father from whom they learn extraordinary skills. They become embroiled in some activity that involves an 'exotic' locale (South America in this bk & in The Clue in the Embers, the Himalayas in The Lost City) & whatever scientific activity they're involved w/ becomes immediately sabotaged by mysterious people. Chances are they're 'rebels' or some other sort of threatening military possibility not 'validated' by a government recognized by the US.
The protagonists, like cartoon characters, spring back from their frequent injuries & death-defying predicaments w/ only minor consequences. Hence, no matter how many times they're hit on the head, they never suffer permanent brain-damage that creates personality change. No matter how many times they run from landslides or volcanos they never even sprain an ankle. If only! In the end, of course, their superhuman courage, technical know-how, & red-blooded Americanism triumphs over all those sniveling evil inferior peoples & some sort of 'advance' is made in the world at large. In other words, this is pure fantasy disguised as some sort of 'realistic' daydream for 'white' boys growing up into Future Leaders. I wonder: how many CIA agents grew up on this stuff & bought it hook, line, & sinker?
I don't mind being stimulated to fantastic daydreams, having an imagination is important. I DO mind the imperialistic dehumanizing that demonizes people in such a casual way. Ultimately, it paves the ideological road to plunder.
An organization called "Hemispak" is introduced as a key player early on:
""Hemispak! The scientific society of the Americas!" Mr. Swift cried. "The group formed to pool information and resources for the protection of the Western Hemisphere!"
Wow! Right away I'm reminded of the S.O.A. (School of the Americas) now known as WHINSEC:
"The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) (formerly named School of the Americas) is a United States Department of Defense Institute located at Fort Benning near Columbus, Georgia in the United States. Authorized by US Congress through 10 USC 2166 in 2001,[1] WHINSEC "Provides professional education and training to eligible personnel of nations of the Western Hemisphere within the context of the democratic principles set forth in the Charter of the Organization of American States[2] (such charter being a treaty to which the United States is a party), while fostering mutual knowledge, transparency, confidence, and cooperation among the participating nations and promoting democratic values, respect for human rights, and knowledge and understanding of United States customs and traditions.[3] Throughout the decade since its establishment, WHINSEC has provided training for more than 13,000 US and International students. Its educational format incorporates guest lecturers and subject matter experts from sectors of US and International government, non-government, human rights, law enforcement, academic institutions and interagency departments[4] to share best practices in pursuit of improved security cooperation between all nations of the Western Hemisphere." - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_...
"World War II was the "good war". After that conflict, most Americans believed that US intentions in the world were noble -- the US was the punisher of aggression and a warrior for freedom. This image was for generations of Americans the measure by which they judged their country in world affairs. The war in Vietnam ended the illusion that America was always on the "right side". Today, America's image as a defender of democracy and justice has been further eroded by the School of the Americas (SOA), which trains Latin American and Caribbean military officers and soldiers to subvert democracy and kill hope in their own countries. "Founded by the United States in 1946, the SOA was initially located in Panama, but in 1984 it was kicked out under the terms of the Panama Canal Treaty and moved to the army base at Fort Benning, Georgia. Then-President of Panama Jorge Illueca called it "the biggest base for de-stabilization in Latin America," and a major Panamanian newspaper dubbed it " The School of Assassins."" - http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Ter...
Perhaps it seems far-fetched of me to bring up Tom Swift and His Flying Lab's Hemispak & the S.O.A.. Consider this, by the next page (p 21) after Hemispak's introduction, the threat of torture is given by a still-unknown enemy. Torture? In a kid's bk? As it turns out, the torture is being threatened by some 'rebels':
""my country is having trouble with a certain group of its people - the Veranos. Verano is really a splinter state, run by rebels who broke away from the mother country. They carry on continual guerrilla warfare against us." - p 32
On no more info than the word of a newly met man, the Swifts immediately accept this word w/o further explanation & accept the Veranos as their enemy. No questions are asked as to WHY the 'rebels' might rebel - such niceties don't fit into this world of simpletons.
""Will you and your father help us thwart these dangerous rebels?"
"TOM'S EYES gleamed with eagerness as he waited a moment for his father's reply to the South American's question. This could be a high adventure!
""We need the help of you Swifts and your wonderful inventions," continued Señor Ricardo as he pressed his case, "both to locate our missing scientists and to investigate the presence of uranium deposits."
""I'd like to do it!" Tom cried. "What do you think, Dad?"
"Mr. Swift, more cautious, asked whether Ricardo's government had tried to find the scientists.
""Yes, but we have not succeeded," the South American replied. "We believe if someone from a North American country came there the rebels would not - what you say - catch on."" - pp 34-35
This is so ridiculous at so many levels that it irks me to even feel compelled to explain it to any degree. ONE "North American" (read: US) family (who happen to be fabulously wealthy & powerful - but, of course, they 'deserve' it?!) will succeed where a government has failed despite being unfamiliar w/ the country they're about to intercede in. Furthermore, the rebels will be taken off-guard even tho that's already been demonstrated to be not true by the rebels having already started to try to prevent the Swift's interference. Go figger.
Another subtext of all this crap is that the Swifts & their allies are just nice ordinary folks who happen to be scientific geniuses. B/c they're American scientists anything that they do is for the good of mankind. Sure, the enemy scientists are clever too (even, perhaps, diabolically clever - as the 'bad guys' are in Michael Crichton's propagandistic State of Fear: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15... ) but, you know, they're the bad guys & we don't even need to question their motives, do we? I mean, they're just greedy or sumpin'. Science is good, American science is even better, the world's resources belong in the hands of American scientists & their allies (read: puppets). In this case, the resource that's the crux of the matter is uranium.
""Are we going to dig tonight for that stuff what's goin' to make us all rich?" Chow asked. "I sure could use any extry wad of bills."
""That'll be Tom's next neat trick," Bud spoke up. "How to turn uranium into a bank roll in one easy lesson."" - p 146
Now, THAT, of course, isn't GREED. It's just good old American boy common sense & good humor. Really, tho, the fantasy of this bk is filled w/ get-rich-quick schemes. Tom Swift Sr & Jr can both invent the most miraculous things in very short time and get them built at their (not-very) well-protected HQ by their employees in record time. Atomic thrusters? Coming right up! All b/c of their natural genius combined w/ good old American know-how.
"It took the combined efforts of all four of the party to maneuver the tremendous nylon netting over the body and wings of the plane. For half an hour they sweated and strained, but at last the job was done." - p 146
"At this very moment the two men were hard at work in good-sized pits which they had laboriously hewed out of the rocky tableland between the two peaks." - p 158
Are these guys on speed?! B/c, even if they were, the above wd be impossible. To hand-wrangle a giant camouflage netting over a huge jet in a half hr by hand is pretty unrealistic. To dig "good-sized pits" w/ picks & shovel in a matter less than 2 hrs out of ROCK is utterly ridiculous. Have these ghost writers ever done any manual labor?! Ok, ok, it's a kid's bk, a fantasy, it's not supposed to be realistic. But my argument here is that this is propaganda aimed at boys to inculcate them w/ a feeling of being supermen. As they grow into adults they can always get Free Trade slave labor to do the actual work.
Despite the Swifts being taken in by imposters (&, of course, gassed or clunked on the head or what-not w/o serious after-effect), they're still quick to jump to conclusions that're so lacking in deductive substance one's amazed by their otherwise 'brilliant' careers as scientists:
""From South America!" Tom cried. "If that man dropped this, then I'd say he's one of the rebels."" - p 47
"Then Tom questioned, "Who is their leader? Apparently they're only stooges for a higher-up - someone of a different nationality, perhaps."" - p 188
Eureka! The rebels in South America are just stooges (unlike Tom & his friends) for a foreign power. I wonder who that cd be? At the formulaic usual moment when our heros are held captive & when their captor needn't worry any longer about their knowing everything b/c they're about to die or whatever:
""First, I will tell you a little about myself. I am a Eurasian by birth."
[His dad must've been Fu Manchu!]
"Eurasian! Hanson and Chow instantly thought of Leeskol, the Eurasian who Rip Hulse had captured. Had the two been in league?"
"The man continued, "By choice I serve Europe or Asia, whichever suits my purposes best."
""You mean you ain't got a country you stick to?" Chow burst out.
""Is that so necessary?" the man asked suavely, a sardonic smile playing over his face.
""It sure is!" Chow cried. "Why, you low-down-"" - p 193
Chow reminds me of the captured Texan soldiers interviewed in the 2004 documentary Control Room: 'I just follow orders.' Patriotism vs free thinking. This Swift bk pretends to support the latter while firmly supporting the former - just like all the other American propaganda I grew up w/.
""I said you were smart," he remarked. "Now you are becoming sensible too. You will call me Vladimir."" - p 195
Yep, we weren't fooled! This Eurasian's one of those commie Russkies! &, yep, Tom's a quick thinker alright (as will be most of his readers):
""Ordep?" Tom repeated to himself. Then he realized what it was - Pedro spelled backward!" - p 94
All of these boys bks have comic supporting characters. In the Hardy Boys it's Chet Morton, who loves to eat alot. In Tom Swift Jr it's Chow, the cook, who loves to eat alot. Overeaters are comic relief. At bottom, of course, these characters are another variety of good ole boy:
"Chow waved a stout rope he was carrying.
""I'll tie that Leeskol up myself! Nobody can double-cross Uncle Sam when I'm around an' get away with it!"" - p 122
Yee-haw! Ride 'em cowboy! Yep, the myth of the Cowboys & the Injuns lives on:
"the Indians suddenly appeared again.
""They're going to shoot!" Hanson cried. "Run!"
""Wait!" Chow cried.
"To everyone's amazement, he stepped forward and haltingly spoke a jargon of guttural sounds. Slowly, smiles of understanding broke out on the faces of the Indians.
""What are you telling them?" Tom asked.
""That I fetched 'em some presents from the Lone Star State."
""Presents?"
""Sure thing. I'd never get caught in Injun country without some little ole knickknacks."
"From a pocket he pulled several cheap bracelets, rings, brooches, and four pearl necklaces, and distributed them." - pp 122-123
Well.. not only do these good ole boys have their own security force at the family plant, they also have the power to call upon the local police force every day or so as their various family members get shot at or kidnapped or whatever (how DO they survive?!). But, NO, that's not all!:
"Tom put in a long-distance call to the capital of Bapcho [the code-name for the South American country] asking for the president's office. After a seemingly interminable wait, he was finally connected." - p 132
Yep, Tom can just go to one of them thar Banana Republics & call up the president. But he had to wait! We'll have to do something about that!
& what's the motive for all this? ""And what ore! The richest deposit in the world - and all for Verano and her ally. It will make her the richest nation in this part of the globe. And wealth means power!"" - p 201
Right. That last quote's from a rebel leader & it's obviously meant to be 'bad guy' logic but, of course, it's no different from the 'good guy' logic. It's just that it's ok for the rich American industrialists to go into a South American country & plunder its natural resources that can be used for making nuclear weapons & it's NOT ok for those evil commies to do it. I shd qualify here that communism is never mentioned directly, it's only implied.
Online, the Swift bks are credited w/ foreseeing inventions. In the light of my political criticism above, I found this particularly interesting:
"Several inventions, including the taser, have been directly inspired by the fictional inventions. "TASER" is an acronym for "Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle."" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Swift
December 9, 2024
While I was reading Tom Swift and His Flying Lab which was the first of the new Tom Swift Jr. novels, I was intrigued by the plot line of finding uranium to mine for profit. The idea of finding a large vein of uranium to strike it rich was a real thing in the 1950s. I give you the 1956 b-movie Uranium Boom of a similar plot line, albeit in a film noir iteration. All said, my eight year old son enjoyed the book which is the best metric.
February 9, 2023
I am now just randomly picking books I read as a kid off my dad's shelf (which was my grandparents' shelf back in the day). I need books to read to my 8 year old before it is my turn with Harry Potter again. I've got the even books, Kate has the odd books. So I was wondering, does Tom Swift hold up? Hardy Boys? Nancy Drew?
Tom Swift does not hold up all that well. This is the 1950s edition of Tom Swift, and for one thing, the pre-space travel setting leads to some ridiculous scenarios. There's like a B story here (or maybe a C story?) where Tom and his dad are trying to figure out the writing on an asteroid that they decide Martian scientists have sent them to try and collaborate on something? But the asteroid almost killed them when it crashed into the lab, so clearly the Martians are not thinking clearly. I was also unclear on why exactly the flying lab was supposed to be so cool. I mean, it is kind of just a big jet plane, and they did have planes in the 50s. And didn't they have jet planes?
My son and I were also laughing a lot at the incredibly convoluted writing in this book. The author must have gotten paid by the word. Everything is explained with the maximum number of words. But really, this part was the best. The bad guy is taking our heroes captive:
"First, I will tell you a little about myself. I am a Eurasian by birth."
Eurasian! Hanson and Chow instantly thought of Leeskol, the Eurasian whom Rip Hulse had captured. Had the two been in league?
The man continued, "By choice I serve Europe or Asia, whichever suits my purpose best."
"You mean you ain't got a country you stick to?" Chow burst out.
...Eurasian? Covers an awful lot of ground, doesn't it? You dastardly villain, pick Europe or Asia! Also, how do you "serve Europe"? There's like 30 or 40 countries. Forget about "serving Asia." The author went to the trouble of inventing fake South American countries for the book, and I think they didn't have the energy to invent fake countries for the rest of the world too.
Tom Swift does not hold up all that well. This is the 1950s edition of Tom Swift, and for one thing, the pre-space travel setting leads to some ridiculous scenarios. There's like a B story here (or maybe a C story?) where Tom and his dad are trying to figure out the writing on an asteroid that they decide Martian scientists have sent them to try and collaborate on something? But the asteroid almost killed them when it crashed into the lab, so clearly the Martians are not thinking clearly. I was also unclear on why exactly the flying lab was supposed to be so cool. I mean, it is kind of just a big jet plane, and they did have planes in the 50s. And didn't they have jet planes?
My son and I were also laughing a lot at the incredibly convoluted writing in this book. The author must have gotten paid by the word. Everything is explained with the maximum number of words. But really, this part was the best. The bad guy is taking our heroes captive:
"First, I will tell you a little about myself. I am a Eurasian by birth."
Eurasian! Hanson and Chow instantly thought of Leeskol, the Eurasian whom Rip Hulse had captured. Had the two been in league?
The man continued, "By choice I serve Europe or Asia, whichever suits my purpose best."
"You mean you ain't got a country you stick to?" Chow burst out.
...Eurasian? Covers an awful lot of ground, doesn't it? You dastardly villain, pick Europe or Asia! Also, how do you "serve Europe"? There's like 30 or 40 countries. Forget about "serving Asia." The author went to the trouble of inventing fake South American countries for the book, and I think they didn't have the energy to invent fake countries for the rest of the world too.
January 29, 2020
One of the first science fiction series I read. Picked up this copy from a book sale in third grade and began to devour every Tom Swift book I could find. It was also at this time when I discovered the Hardy Boys and Doc Savage. Those three titles along with adventure novels about early American patriots and frontiersmen made up my pre-middle school reading lists. But Tom Swift stood out as the only youth scientist and fueled a curiosity for science and space travel that continues to this day.
July 22, 2020
First read this as a kid (my dad's copy that was his as a kid, I think), and liked it. Picked it up for fun again as an adult and while it certainly seems far less plausible than it did as a young boy and the writing is nothing artistic, I think a kid would still like it (especially a boy interested in science, flying, or adventure). Definitely a bit dated in terms of not using political correct terms etc. at times, so be aware of that. This is very much like the Hardy Boys series, and probably for the same age group.
May 29, 2010
The very first Tom Swift Jr novel featuring his best friend, Bud Barkley, Chow, the cook, Sandy, his sister. Tom builds an atomic-powered jet and has adventures. I read the entire series as a child, gave them away when I moved, and found a used copy.
February 9, 2016
I picked up this novel, one I read as just a boy. Although the science is outdated for our modern times, I could still see how this introduction to science fiction, held such a strong grip on me as a boy.
March 3, 2019
Read this to the boys over the past month and it while I didn't remember the specifics of the Tom Swift series, I thought it had more cool gadgets than this, which felt extremely episodic and contrived. Not one of the best books in the series, or my memory is faulty.
February 4, 2012
I read the whole series as a kid. It was my introduction to the world of science fiction. I loved every book and was sad when I finished them all. My rating is for the series.
October 11, 2024
Like a sci-fi Hardy Boys, but feels quite dated at times (3 stars)
How did I not come across Tom Swift as a teen reader? I devoured the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, and this series has the same feel and style, but with a science fiction aspect. Over 100 Tom Swift books have been produced across a lengthy period since 1910, and they now include several series.
The first Tom Swift series was published from 1910 to 1941. With the second series, published from 1954 to 1971, the main character switched to Tom Swift Jr, the son of the original Tom Swift. Especially in the second series, there was a greater emphasis on basing things on scientific fact and probability rather than the pseudoscience that was more common in the first series. The third series (1981-1984) focuses more on outer space, while the fourth series (1991-1993), fifth series (2006-2007) and sixth series (2019-2022) are mostly set on earth.
All the books are attributed to Victor Appleton and Victor Appleton II as authors, but these are simply pseudonyms used by the Stratemeyer Syndicate that produced them. In fact, it was the success of the Tom Swift books that later paved the way for the same syndicate to produce The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Tom Swift's character certainly inspired many young readers to develop a love for science and is even credited with inspiring ideas for some inventions in the real world.
The basic concept is the same across the series, and they're rightly described as science fiction adventure novels that emphasize science, invention, and technology. All the series of books feature Tom as a heroic and brilliant teenage inventor, who produces some invention that helps him in feats of exploration or rescue or is key to solving a problem or mystery.
Part of the genre is a sense of fantasy. Tom is a larger-than-life character who seems to be able to defy all kinds of predicaments, and he always manages to avoid the worst, recover rapidly from injuries, and have superhuman courage and abilities. And science is always good, and so is America and its allies. The writing is sometimes convoluted and wooden, the characters one-dimensional, and by today's standards the science is occasionally outdated. But it's all part of the genre, and either you can overlook these things and enjoy the non-stop action and constant cliffhangers, or you'll hate it. It's up to the reader to suspend some sense of disbelief and enjoy the ride.
"Tom Swift and His Flying Lab" is the first book in the second series, and the storyline revolves around greedy bad guys trying to get their hands on uranium. Tom has invented a giant plane that functions as a flying laboratory, and which he uses to win the day.
Especially the two earlier series have come under fire from modern critics because they feel quite dated and are even considered offensive to some readers. Natives are often depicted as uncivilized brutes. But the inventions are often cool, and middle school boys with a taste for adventure and science will still find a lot to like here, as will any fans of Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. I'm a bit past these now that I'm an adult, but if I'd come across these in my teens, I'd almost certainly have devoured them.
How did I not come across Tom Swift as a teen reader? I devoured the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, and this series has the same feel and style, but with a science fiction aspect. Over 100 Tom Swift books have been produced across a lengthy period since 1910, and they now include several series.
The first Tom Swift series was published from 1910 to 1941. With the second series, published from 1954 to 1971, the main character switched to Tom Swift Jr, the son of the original Tom Swift. Especially in the second series, there was a greater emphasis on basing things on scientific fact and probability rather than the pseudoscience that was more common in the first series. The third series (1981-1984) focuses more on outer space, while the fourth series (1991-1993), fifth series (2006-2007) and sixth series (2019-2022) are mostly set on earth.
All the books are attributed to Victor Appleton and Victor Appleton II as authors, but these are simply pseudonyms used by the Stratemeyer Syndicate that produced them. In fact, it was the success of the Tom Swift books that later paved the way for the same syndicate to produce The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Tom Swift's character certainly inspired many young readers to develop a love for science and is even credited with inspiring ideas for some inventions in the real world.
The basic concept is the same across the series, and they're rightly described as science fiction adventure novels that emphasize science, invention, and technology. All the series of books feature Tom as a heroic and brilliant teenage inventor, who produces some invention that helps him in feats of exploration or rescue or is key to solving a problem or mystery.
Part of the genre is a sense of fantasy. Tom is a larger-than-life character who seems to be able to defy all kinds of predicaments, and he always manages to avoid the worst, recover rapidly from injuries, and have superhuman courage and abilities. And science is always good, and so is America and its allies. The writing is sometimes convoluted and wooden, the characters one-dimensional, and by today's standards the science is occasionally outdated. But it's all part of the genre, and either you can overlook these things and enjoy the non-stop action and constant cliffhangers, or you'll hate it. It's up to the reader to suspend some sense of disbelief and enjoy the ride.
"Tom Swift and His Flying Lab" is the first book in the second series, and the storyline revolves around greedy bad guys trying to get their hands on uranium. Tom has invented a giant plane that functions as a flying laboratory, and which he uses to win the day.
Especially the two earlier series have come under fire from modern critics because they feel quite dated and are even considered offensive to some readers. Natives are often depicted as uncivilized brutes. But the inventions are often cool, and middle school boys with a taste for adventure and science will still find a lot to like here, as will any fans of Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. I'm a bit past these now that I'm an adult, but if I'd come across these in my teens, I'd almost certainly have devoured them.
November 22, 2023
This book is a rewrite of the original 1954 book with the same title. It is part of what the author calls the “Tom Swift Lives” series and is “updated for modern readers.”
The author, Scott Dickerson, has placed his characters in a new universe, or if you will, an alternate reality. In this universe, Tom Swift, Jr. is the great-grandson of the original Tom Swift Sr.
The settings (Shopton, Lake Carlopa, Fearing Island, etc.), most of the characters, and the writing style are very much the same as in the original. However, as proof of the ‘modernization’ of the series, Tom’s mother’s (whose name is now Anne instead of Mary) has a Ph.D. in biochemistry and is CEO of Swift Enterprises, although her main job seems to still be cooking nutritious dinners. And in a (slight) tip of the hat to inclusivity, Phyllis Newton has been replaced by Bashalli Prandit, an immigrant from Pakistan. Tom’s sister Sandy is still here, though, although she doesn’t seem to have changed much for the better. When an idea Sandy has is shot to pieces by Tom, she “stamped her foot indignantly.” That’ll show him!
Dickerson continues the pointed language of the original writer in describing one of the bad guys, as having “black, greasy-looking hair and eyes like a rat.” He was also described as a “creepy geek” with “such a wicked face.” The negative descriptions go on. It’s a wonder that all the bad guys were not arrested and jailed simply because of their looks. What I’m trying to say here is that this kind of easy writing is hardly ‘modern.’
Excuse me if I pick on what might seem like minor stuff, but modern readers have changed since the 1950s. They are way more aware of their political responsibilities, social interactions, and cultural differences. To pretend otherwise is not just wrong but a dereliction of a writer’s duty.
The original Tom Swift, Sr. and Tom Swift Jr., books were books written primarily—or exclusively—for boys. The author of the Tom Swift Lives series goes a bit farther and calls it “stories for today’s science-minded boys.” Which is fine, as long as the readers learn something of value about the world around them (including girls) as well as scientific fantasy.
As for Tom Swift and His Flying Lab, well, it’s in no way inferior to the original. All exciting and sciency. And, of course, Tom gets kidnapped. Yet the mindset of the author seems to be firmly stuck back in the 1950s.
P.S. To see a little of what I mean, make a point to read at least one of Michael Wolff’s Sandra Swift Adventures. She kicks royal butt.
Final Rating: 3.4
The author, Scott Dickerson, has placed his characters in a new universe, or if you will, an alternate reality. In this universe, Tom Swift, Jr. is the great-grandson of the original Tom Swift Sr.
The settings (Shopton, Lake Carlopa, Fearing Island, etc.), most of the characters, and the writing style are very much the same as in the original. However, as proof of the ‘modernization’ of the series, Tom’s mother’s (whose name is now Anne instead of Mary) has a Ph.D. in biochemistry and is CEO of Swift Enterprises, although her main job seems to still be cooking nutritious dinners. And in a (slight) tip of the hat to inclusivity, Phyllis Newton has been replaced by Bashalli Prandit, an immigrant from Pakistan. Tom’s sister Sandy is still here, though, although she doesn’t seem to have changed much for the better. When an idea Sandy has is shot to pieces by Tom, she “stamped her foot indignantly.” That’ll show him!
Dickerson continues the pointed language of the original writer in describing one of the bad guys, as having “black, greasy-looking hair and eyes like a rat.” He was also described as a “creepy geek” with “such a wicked face.” The negative descriptions go on. It’s a wonder that all the bad guys were not arrested and jailed simply because of their looks. What I’m trying to say here is that this kind of easy writing is hardly ‘modern.’
Excuse me if I pick on what might seem like minor stuff, but modern readers have changed since the 1950s. They are way more aware of their political responsibilities, social interactions, and cultural differences. To pretend otherwise is not just wrong but a dereliction of a writer’s duty.
The original Tom Swift, Sr. and Tom Swift Jr., books were books written primarily—or exclusively—for boys. The author of the Tom Swift Lives series goes a bit farther and calls it “stories for today’s science-minded boys.” Which is fine, as long as the readers learn something of value about the world around them (including girls) as well as scientific fantasy.
As for Tom Swift and His Flying Lab, well, it’s in no way inferior to the original. All exciting and sciency. And, of course, Tom gets kidnapped. Yet the mindset of the author seems to be firmly stuck back in the 1950s.
P.S. To see a little of what I mean, make a point to read at least one of Michael Wolff’s Sandra Swift Adventures. She kicks royal butt.
Final Rating: 3.4
March 4, 2020
I started collecting Tom Swift books a couple of years ago, partially for nostalgia, having read a few when I was young, and partially for preservation...I can't rescue all of the old books, but I hate to lose these snapshots to public disinterest. As of this writing, I have 16 of the 33 Tom Swift, Jr. series and six of the original 40 (I was surprised there were so many.) After picking up Tom Swift and His Atomic Earth Blaster the other day, I realized I now had 11 of the first 13 and decided to read this one as a quick diversion from some of my more serious reading.
The Stratemeyer Syndicate churned out a lot of series aimed mostly at adolescent boys and some at girls. This was published in 1954 and full of imagination. Tom Jr. manages to invent a new alloy in hours, engage in high adventure with his best bud, Bud, survive cliffhanger danger every other chapter or so, and hobnob with renowned scientists at the tender age of 18 (oh, they are suitably impressed with our hero and confer with him for solutions to their problems!) The bad guys in the formula for this book are a combination of "Eurasian" and South American (just a tad ethno-offensive with "beeg" plane questions, etc.)
I found the original series to be highly offensive, if still intriguing. I know from memory that this series has its moments, but I'll still pull one and another off the shelf this year to break up the reading depth. They are a nostalgic fun. I was rather surprised to see one word in here: obsteperous. The ten year old me in 1971 would have been opening up the dictionary!
My copy is the yellow cover reprint from sometime after 1966, as the series listed on the back goes up to #27.
The Stratemeyer Syndicate churned out a lot of series aimed mostly at adolescent boys and some at girls. This was published in 1954 and full of imagination. Tom Jr. manages to invent a new alloy in hours, engage in high adventure with his best bud, Bud, survive cliffhanger danger every other chapter or so, and hobnob with renowned scientists at the tender age of 18 (oh, they are suitably impressed with our hero and confer with him for solutions to their problems!) The bad guys in the formula for this book are a combination of "Eurasian" and South American (just a tad ethno-offensive with "beeg" plane questions, etc.)
I found the original series to be highly offensive, if still intriguing. I know from memory that this series has its moments, but I'll still pull one and another off the shelf this year to break up the reading depth. They are a nostalgic fun. I was rather surprised to see one word in here: obsteperous. The ten year old me in 1971 would have been opening up the dictionary!
My copy is the yellow cover reprint from sometime after 1966, as the series listed on the back goes up to #27.
November 22, 2024
After a rough start the original Tom Swifts became adequate. Garis could write and once the scripts got beyond Tom riding around in a car, motorcycle or boat, they became mildly interesting. They were at there best when there was some kind of mystery. This is what would propel the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew.
Here, granted in the first book, we have a cheesy adventure where the sci fi is provided by a big airplane which was just super sized current tech. Every chapter ends in a they are going to die cliffhanger that is resolved in two sentences in the next chapter. The author manages to wordily say nothing with no useful description. I don't know who wrote this, but I hope they had a good day job as this doesn't fly as kid's writing. Compare to the Arthur 3 Investigators or the early McFarlane for good juvenile series fiction.
Here, granted in the first book, we have a cheesy adventure where the sci fi is provided by a big airplane which was just super sized current tech. Every chapter ends in a they are going to die cliffhanger that is resolved in two sentences in the next chapter. The author manages to wordily say nothing with no useful description. I don't know who wrote this, but I hope they had a good day job as this doesn't fly as kid's writing. Compare to the Arthur 3 Investigators or the early McFarlane for good juvenile series fiction.
November 15, 2020
Despite, or perhaps because of, the very dated story, I am giving Tom Swift and His Flying Lab 4 stars. It was a a fun, adventure-filled book. My boys all enjoyed it, though we laughed at the idea people, including scientists, believed Martians had contacted the Swifts in the beginning. Some of the gadgets were similar to things that would be used in later decades. The Swifts seem to be quite smug (in a friendly way) about their intelligence, naming most of their inventions and discoveries after themselves, or sometimes a colleague.
Tom Swift made for a fun, fairly short readaloud and there are sequels. It was also a good vocabulary builder.
Tom Swift made for a fun, fairly short readaloud and there are sequels. It was also a good vocabulary builder.
May 3, 2021
'Tom Swift - boy genius - outsmarts evil scientists, solves confounding mysteries, and builds incredible rocket ships.' So ... what's not to like!?
I was sent this and two others from the series, by a very good friend in the US who knew I would treasure them. Which I will. It's just such a shame I never came across them when I was a boy myself (sadly not a boy genius!). This was a thumping good read, with non-stop action and every chapter ending on a cliff-hanger. Must've been thumping fun to write too ...
I was sent this and two others from the series, by a very good friend in the US who knew I would treasure them. Which I will. It's just such a shame I never came across them when I was a boy myself (sadly not a boy genius!). This was a thumping good read, with non-stop action and every chapter ending on a cliff-hanger. Must've been thumping fun to write too ...
August 27, 2023
My edition had the all blue old style cover, but the page count was right.
Having recently read through the Hardy Boy series, I found this first Tom Swift book a bit boring, as it followed a similar format. What was interesting was a mishmash of then science, the future as the author thought it may be, meanwhile reading this book today we know what is possible or not.
I think that the language, particularly about the Indian characters, is a bit dated and may be offensive to some, though it was in tune with the day.
Overall, an interesting read with an okay story.
Having recently read through the Hardy Boy series, I found this first Tom Swift book a bit boring, as it followed a similar format. What was interesting was a mishmash of then science, the future as the author thought it may be, meanwhile reading this book today we know what is possible or not.
I think that the language, particularly about the Indian characters, is a bit dated and may be offensive to some, though it was in tune with the day.
Overall, an interesting read with an okay story.
December 30, 2019
Reading this book brought back a lot of very pleasant memories. Each Christmas when we were kids, my brother and I would each get a different Tom Swift book. We would read our copies then switch and read the other one. I loved each story; they were full of adventure and thrills, with a cliffhanger end to each chapter. Tom Swift is a very inventive, resourceful teen and his best friend Bud Barclay also is involved in the story. A real pleasure to read every title.
August 25, 2019
New Tim Swift
Just finished the first in the series of "new, renewed and improved" Tim Swift books. I have the original Tom Swift, Jr. Books and have read most of the earliest (1900's) Tim Swift books. While this is an effort to update the characters and series, I somehow tend to prefer the originals.
Just finished the first in the series of "new, renewed and improved" Tim Swift books. I have the original Tom Swift, Jr. Books and have read most of the earliest (1900's) Tim Swift books. While this is an effort to update the characters and series, I somehow tend to prefer the originals.
July 6, 2020
A punchy, fun ride back into the Tom Swift world. It is remarkably similar to the original in tone and structure, despite the fact that it essentially amounts to alternate universe fan fiction; and it delivers some really impressive new technology to replace the stuff that rusted off in the originals. Just enough difference to be worth it. Recommended.
October 26, 2020
I read this because my 8 year old daughter asked me to. I don’t know how she survived it. This book has more action than all the Star Wars (both original and stupid) and LOTR (both original and stupid) movies packed into 200 some pages. It was like riding a rollercoaster backwards and blindfolded. I had to go sit in the bathroom with the lights out and breathe in a paper bag when it was done. Can’t wait to read the next one.
December 13, 2022
It’s been more than 30 years ago since I read this book and it still has a soft spot in my heart, I remember when my mother brought home this entire collection of these books, I read the first book and was hooked! By the end of the summer I had read the entire series, If you have kids and you want to get them into reading, this book is a great place to start
August 5, 2023
I enjoyed it overall. Still some problems with referring to indigenous people in South America as 'Injuns' and 'savages' but better than the previous series.
Why would Toms flying lab have enough paint on board to cover the giant plane in several different colors?
So some problems but I'll be reading more of them.
Why would Toms flying lab have enough paint on board to cover the giant plane in several different colors?
So some problems but I'll be reading more of them.
January 8, 2024
nostalgia
One of my first gift books was this story. I loved readings it at ten just as to day at 70. Today being much more educated I see the fictional engineering from reality, but it doesn’t detract from the adventures. I look forward to reading more Tom Swift adventures and reliving my youth..
One of my first gift books was this story. I loved readings it at ten just as to day at 70. Today being much more educated I see the fictional engineering from reality, but it doesn’t detract from the adventures. I look forward to reading more Tom Swift adventures and reliving my youth..
January 19, 2018
I'm collecting these now--had a couple as a kid. Reading the first book was a delight. Really, great fun. I do have a gripe with the ending, which was super-rushed: And then wecaughtallthebadguysandfoundthestuffandeveybody'sfine, the end. But still--it's 99% pure joy.
December 28, 2018
Just great to read Tom Swift again. Like seeing friends again after so many years. A very good read and interpretation of the Tom Swift Jr. series. Good stuff
I think I spelled it out in the headline sorry if not able to see, great read. Nice to see old friends again.
I think I spelled it out in the headline sorry if not able to see, great read. Nice to see old friends again.
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