Victor Appleton
Victor Appleton was a house pen name that was used by the Stratemeyer Syndicate and all of its successors. It is most famous for being associated with the
Tom Swift series of novels.
Edward Stratemeyer (founder of the Stratemeyer Syndicate, a book packing company) conceived the Tom Swift character in 1910. Edward invented the series in order to capitalize on the market for children’s science adventure.
The Syndicate’s authors created Tom Swift books by first preparing an outline with all of the plot elements, followed by drafting and then editing the detailed manuscript. The books were then published under the house pen name of Victor Appleton.
Edward and Howard Garis wrote the majority of the novels in the original series, with the final three volumes being written by Harriet Stratemeyer, Edward’s daughter. The first Tom Swift series concluded in 1941.
Most of the Tom Swift novels emphasized Tom’s inventions. The books describe the effects of technology and science as wholly beneficial, and the inventor’s role in society being a heroic and admirable one.
Tom Swift has been cited as an inspiration by various inventors and scientists, including Kelly Johnson, an aircraft designer.
Other book series Victor Appleton is credited with writing include:
Movie Boys, Moving Picture Boys,
Motion Picture Chums, and
Don Sturdy.
Harriet Adams created the Tom Swift, Jr. series which was published under the “Victor Appleton” name. Many of the titles were outlined and plotted by Adams. Books were then written by Richard McKenna, John Almquist, William Doughtery, Richard Sklar, Tom Mulvey, and James Duncan Lawrence (who wrote 23 books of this series). This series ended in 1971.
Tom Swift and His Motor-Cycle, or, Fun and Adventures on the Road introduces readers to Tom Swift (18 year old mechanical genius and inventor), who longs to have a motorcycle. All of a sudden, one almost lands right in his lap and the distraught owner sells it to Tom. Even though it runs well, Tom knows that he can make some improvements to it that ‘ll make it run even smoother and even faster.
He has issues with Andy Foger, his teen rival that is forever attempting to outdo Tom. However now this mysterious gang of thieves have arrived in Shopton and Tom hopes he can leave Andy in the dust while attempting to unravel the mystery behind these thieves, and this one odd hobo that appears right when it’s the most inconvenient for our hero. Tom gets attacked and waylaid by this gang once they learn he’s on their trail.
Related Authors
The most common authors followed by users who also follow Victor Appleton are:
- Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
- J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter Series.
- James Patterson, author of the Alex Cross Series.
- Patricia Cornwell, author of the Kay Scarpetta Series.
- Robin Hobb, author of the Farseer Series.
Victor Appleton: F.A.Q
What was the first book Victor Appleton wrote?
The first book written by Victor Appleton was Tom Swift and His Motor-Cycle / Fun and Adventure on the Road, published in 1910.
What was the most recent book Victor Appleton wrote?
Their most recently released work was Tom Swift and His Flying RaceYacht on July 3rd, 2023.
Will there be any more books by Victor Appleton?
Victor Appleton does not have any upcoming books with a set publication date within the next few months at this time.
How many books has Victor Appleton written?
Victor Appleton has written 161 books across 10 series.
- 15 books in the Don Sturdy Series
- 9 books in The Moving Picture Boys Series
- 40 books in the Tom Swift I Series
- 32 books in the Tom Swift Jr. Series
- 11 books in the Tom Swift III Series
- 13 books in the Tom Swift IV Series
- 6 books in the Tom Swift, Young Inventor Series
- 27 books in the Tom Swift Invention Series
- 8 books in the Tom Swift: Inventors' Academy Series