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Swift, Tom (Fictitious character) -- Juvenile fiction Books
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Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and his big dirigible : $b or, Adventures over the forest of fire
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Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle; Or, Daring Adventures in Elephant Land
"Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle; Or, Daring Adventures in Elephant Land" by Victor Appleton is a young adult novel published in 1911. When young inventor Tom Swift perfects his electric rifle—a weapon that fires bolts of electricity—he embarks on an African safari that becomes far more dangerous than expected. Beyond hunting elephants for ivory, Tom and his companions must rescue friends held captive by hostile tribes. The novel is notable for inspiring the name of the Taser, a non-lethal weapon developed sixty years later.
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders; Or, The Underground Search for the Idol of Gold
"Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders; Or, The Underground Search for the Idol of Gold" is Volume 20 in the Tom Swift novel series published by Grosset & Dunlap. When Professor Bumper discovers documents pointing to the lost city of Kurzon deep in Honduras—and its legendary golden idol—he invites Tom Swift along. But a rival professor threatens both the expedition and Tom's relationship with his sweetheart Mary Nestor. Driven by envy rather than adventure, Tom must race to Honduras to prevent his rival from claiming both the treasure and Mary's heart.
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Sky Racer; Or, The Quickest Flight on Record
"Tom Swift and His Sky Racer; Or, The Quickest Flight on Record" by Victor Appleton is a young adult adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Tom Swift, a young inventor enthusiastic about aviation, who is challenged to build a new aeroplane for a prize competition. The narrative sets the stage for Tom’s determination to create a fast and innovative aircraft called the Humming-Bird, particularly in light of previous setbacks, including a rival entry from the notorious bully Andy Foger. The opening of the book introduces Tom Swift as he encounters Mr. Gunmore from the Eagle Park Aviation Association, who invites him to compete in a significant aviation meet. After some deliberation, Tom decides to accept the challenge, igniting his inventive spirit. As he plans for the aeroplane, a subplot unfolds involving Andy Foger's suspicious activities, suggesting that he may have stolen Tom's plans. This tension builds as Tom faces challenges not just in building the aeroplane, but also in contending with potential sabotage from his rival. The chapters hint at a thrilling blend of invention, competition, and intrigue as Tom strives to navigate these obstacles while preparing for the big race.
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Wizard Camera; Or, Thrilling Adventures While Taking Moving Pictures
"Tom Swift and His Wizard Camera" by Victor Appleton is a novel likely written during the early 20th century. This adventure story features the young inventor Tom Swift, who receives a curious offer from a moving picture promoter, Mr. Period. Tom is tasked with creating an innovative, electric moving picture camera that can capture thrilling scenes in exotic locations, which sets the stage for a series of exciting adventures. The opening of the book introduces Tom in his workshop, where he is approached by a mysterious visitor with a pressing business matter. Koku, Tom's giant servant, keeps a protective watch over their interaction. As Tom learns of the strange request for a new camera to document wild adventures, he contemplates the associated dangers and complexities. The narrative further reveals Tom's background, including past exploits with various inventions, and hints at trouble when rival promoters attempt to sway him from his commitment to Mr. Period. Overall, the beginning sets up a thrilling premise centered around invention, exploration, and the challenges of maintaining integrity amidst competition.
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Aerial Warship; Or, The Naval Terror of the Seas
"Tom Swift and His Aerial Warship; Or, The Naval Terror of the Seas" by Victor Appleton is a novel written in 1915. When Tom Swift invites a Navy lieutenant to review his massive military airship, he dismisses warnings of a plot against him. But deliberate sabotage—a fire in his explosives shed—proves someone wants to stop his innovations. As World War I rages in Europe, foreign spies hijack Tom's revolutionary aerial warship, equipped with specially-mounted cannons and a groundbreaking recoil system. Can Tom recover his stolen invention before it falls into enemy hands?
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Air Scout; Or, Uncle Sam's Mastery of the Sky
"Tom Swift and His Air Scout; Or, Uncle Sam's Mastery of the Sky" by Victor Appleton is a novel published as Volume 22 in the original Tom Swift series. During World War I, young inventor Tom Swift pursues a revolutionary project: creating a completely silent airship for military reconnaissance. Inspired by his inability to communicate with Mary Nestor during a flight, Tom develops this technology for the war effort. But when rival manufacturers pressure him to join their company, his refusal triggers dangerous consequences—including an unexpected kidnapping.
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift Among the Fire Fighters; Or, Battling with Flames from the Air
"Tom Swift Among the Fire Fighters; Or, Battling with Flames from the Air" by Victor Appleton is a novel published as Volume 24 in the original Tom Swift series. When a devastating fire erupts at a fireworks factory, Tom Swift rescues a chemist who has lost his precious dye formula. Witnessing the blaze inspires Tom to revolutionize firefighting itself, developing new chemical suppressants and an airborne delivery system to battle fires from above, especially in towering skyscrapers where traditional methods fail.
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Submarine Boat; Or, Under the Ocean for Sunken Treasure
"Tom Swift and His Submarine Boat; Or, Under the Ocean for Sunken Treasure" by Victor Appleton is a novel published by Grosset & Dunlap. When Tom learns of a sunken ship carrying $300,000 in gold bullion off Uruguay's coast, he convinces his father to pursue the treasure instead of competing for a government prize. But a rival submarine follows close behind, determined to steal the fortune. Tom must navigate treacherous waters, escape foreign captivity, and dive to extreme depths to claim the sunken treasure first.
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Electric Runabout; Or, The Speediest Car on the Road
"Tom Swift and His Electric Runabout; Or, The Speediest Car on the Road" by Appleton is the fifth volume in the original Tom Swift novel series. Young inventor Tom Swift prepares to race his revolutionary electric car, powered by a groundbreaking battery design. But days before the 500-mile competition, he uncovers a criminal conspiracy threatening to destroy the local bank and bankrupt his family. Tom must stop the scheme and catch the culprits before testing his purple speedster against America's finest drivers and fastest cars.
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift and His Giant Cannon; Or, The Longest Shots on Record
"Tom Swift and His Giant Cannon; Or, The Longest Shots on Record" by Victor Appleton is a children’s adventure novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around the extraordinary young inventor, Tom Swift, as he embarks on a daring quest to create the largest cannon ever built. The novel kicks off with an exciting mix of adventure and invention, highlighting Tom's ingenuity and determination to ensure the safety of the Panama Canal with his innovative weaponry. The opening of the book presents a lively scene where Tom's father, Mr. Swift, discusses a dubious investment proposal with an old acquaintance, Alec Peterson, regarding a lost opal mine. Amidst this business conversation, a frantic call for help arises when Tom finds himself in a perilous situation in his airship, entangled with a dangerous live wire. Thankfully, he is rescued by Peterson, which leads Mr. Swift to reconsider investing in the opal mine venture. Tom's character is further developed as he ponders his ambition to design a giant cannon for national defense, which he is keen to demonstrate at an upcoming government test for a similar cannon. This blend of high-stakes engineering, friendship, and the thrill of invention sets the stage for what promises to be a riveting adventure.
Victor Appleton
Tom Swift Among the Diamond Makers; Or, The Secret of Phantom Mountain
"Tom Swift Among the Diamond Makers; Or, The Secret of Phantom Mountain" by Victor Appleton is a novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story follows Tom Swift, a young inventor known for his ingenuity and adventurous spirit, as he embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets behind diamond-making alongside his eccentric mentor, Mr. Barcoe Jenks. Throughout the narrative, Tom must confront various challenges and antagonists while exploring a mysterious location referred to as Phantom Mountain. The opening of the book introduces Tom as he visits a jeweler, contemplating a diamond purchase for a special someone, a subplot that hints at his romantic inclination. A sudden interruption by a suspicious character prompts a chase that reveals the youthful inventor's courage. He later encounters Mr. Jenks, who claims to know how to create diamonds and seeks Tom’s help in his quest. After determining the authenticity of some diamonds given by Mr. Jenks, Tom agrees to assist him in seeking Phantom Mountain. The excitement escalates as they prepare to journey into the unknown, layering the narrative with themes of discovery, danger, and the unearthing of secrets. The vibe suggests an adventurous spirit combined with friendship, typical of classic children's adventure literature.
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