I've had a love of science fiction since I was a small boy and watched SciFi on the TV and movies.
One of the influences in gaining my interests in Science Fiction as a young boy were the:
This was the book series that got me started reading science fiction. The Tom Swift Jr. series was published by Grosset and Dunlap publishers. A synidicated book series, the Nome de Plume for the several authors who wrote the books was Victor Appleton II. The series was introduced in 1954 and continued in to the late 60's and was available for sale even into the 70's when many of the science fiction concepts introduced in the series had become reality.
This is the cover from Tom Swift Jr. Advernture #2: Tom Swift and His Jetmarine. CLICK on it to see more about that book.
I plan on adding several links to excellent sites who cover the Tom Swift books very thoroughly. Watch this space for those links.
I have been collectiong the books as an adult, mostly for nostaglic reasons. I have several for sale or tade and sometimes list extra on the eBay electronic auction. Following is a link to my Tom Swift books that are for sale.
#04 Tom Swift and His Giant Robot
#07 - Tom Swift and His Diving Seacopter
(one of my favorites) 