Allan A. Swenson

Swenson wrote extensively for, and attended, the Leif Ericson Millennium in 2000 in Greenland. Following this, he wrote many articles about Norse history for a wide range of Scandinavian-America publications. In recognition of his work honoring early Scandinavian culture, Swenson was honored by the king and queen of Denmark.

Over the years, Swenson appeared on various network TV shows about his books, including appearing as Dr. Plant on the syndicated Good Day Show and as the Good Growing Guy on Good Morning America. He then created his own Gardener’s Notebook TV series for syndication. Before moving to Maine with his family in 1974, Swenson had his own radio show on 400 stations of the Mutual Radio Network from New York City which also was carried by independent stations.

After leaving the military, Swenson became a writer in New York City, working as a copywriter and an account executive for the advertising agencies Albert Sidney Noble and Dancer-Fitzgerald-Sample. Swenson formed his own Public Relations Agency in NYC in the 1960s, serving clients including American Cyanamid, Topper Toys, Eastern Airlines, and Shell Chemical.

Swenson was recruited into Army Intelligence while a Cadet Colonel of the Army ROTC at Rutgers University. He served as an Intelligence Officer, holding the rank of captain, during active duty with the 525 MI Group and with the XVIII Airborne Corps during the 1950s. From this background, Swenson wrote his Guide to the CIA and Guide to National Security.

Allan Armstrong Swenson (born December 26, 1933) is an author, literary agent and master gardener. He worked for over 25 years as a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and radio-TV personality, and is the author of more than 50 books.