The Tom Swift series, and later Tom Swift Jr. and other similar series, introduced readers to marvelous adventures in the near and far future. Sometimes, as in the first and fourth series, the adventures seemed like something which could occur in the "today" when the books were published. Other series were set in the near or far future.

Many young people were inspired by these stories to pursue careers in science, engineering, aviation, and space travel.

The first five volumes in the original Tom Swift series were released in 1910

1. Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle
2. Tom Swift and His Motor Boat
3. Tom Swift and His Airship
4. Tom Swift and His Submarine Boat
5. Tom Swift and His Electric Runabout

Of course this means that 2010 is the 100th anniversary. An important milestone such as this should not pass unnoticed so we shall hold a Tom Swift 100th Anniversary Convention from Friday July 16 through Sunday July 18, 2010 in San Diego. These dates were selected because they are the weekend before Comic-Con International (Wed July 21-Sun July 25) with the expectation that some people will want to attend both events.

The goal of this convention is to draw attention to these influential books and give fans, scholars, and people who were influenced by them a chance to gather together and celebrate the anniversary.

Please join us in San Diego in 2010 for an exciting lineup of speakers and activities. More details will be released shortly. In the meantime, consider booking your flight and, if you plan on going to Comic-Con the following weekend (http://www.comic-con.org/), get your tickets for that event now (they sell out far in advance of the event!). We'll begin announcements on our schedule and registration fees soon!