Harold Norling Swanson, a celebrated and influential literary agent of considerable repute, entered this world on August 28, 1899, and subsequently bid farewell to mortal coil on May 31, 1991. Throughout his illustrious career, he left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, serving as a trusted and esteemed representative for a diverse array of notable American writers, including the acclaimed author of "Bring 'Em Back Alive", Frank Buck, the celebrated novelist and short story writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, and many other notable literary luminaries.
The illustrious career of Swanson, which commenced with his endeavors as a writer, gradually transitioned into a more prominent role as the editor of College Humor, a renowned Chicago-based monthly magazine, for an impressive eight-year tenure spanning the 1920s.
Subsequently, Swanson relocated to the vibrant city of Hollywood, where he secured a position as an associate producer at RKO, a prestigious film studio. During his tenure at RKO, Swanson accumulated credits, including two notable comedies starring the esteemed comedic duo, Wheeler and Woolsey.
Notable individual, Herbert Swanson, embarked on a pioneering endeavour in 1934, establishing his agency on the renowned Sunset Boulevard. He dedicated himself to a singular focus, expertly navigating the complex realm of motion picture, television, and radio rights to literary properties. Additionally, he provided representation to an esteemed roster of writers and screenwriters. Under his astute leadership, the agency flourished, boasting an impressive client list that, by 1939, boasted a staggering 80 of the 110 writers employed by the prestigious Twentieth Century Fox film studio.
Noted literary agent Swanson's impressive client roster boasted an esteemed array of celebrated authors, comprising the distinguished ranks of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the renowned novelist of the Jazz Age, alongside James M. Cain, the mastermind behind the iconic noir thriller "The Postman Always Rings Twice", and William Faulkner, the Nobel laureate and chronicler of the American South.
Notably, Swanson's literary canon comprised a plethora of bestselling novels that were subsequently adapted into cinematic masterpieces by esteemed Hollywood studios. The Postman Always Rings Twice, a gripping tale of forbidden love and murder, was one such literary masterpiece that captured the imagination of filmmakers. Similarly, The Big Sleep, a classic detective novel, was transformed into a cinematic sensation that showcased the iconic character of Philip Marlowe. Old Yeller, a heartwarming tale of a young boy's journey with his loyal canine companion, was another beloved novel that was brought to life on the big screen. Furthermore, Butterfield 8, a provocative exploration of the human condition, was adapted into a film that featured the captivating performance of Elizabeth Taylor. Lastly, The Mosquito Coast, a thought-provoking novel about a family's struggle to survive in the wilderness, was transformed into a critically acclaimed film that showcased the impressive acting talents of Harrison Ford.
