Swann's last published novel, Queens Walk in the Dusk is a retelling of the romance of Dido and Aeneas. It is a companion volume to Green Phoenix.Cover Illustration: Jeff Jones
Thomas Burnett Swann Books
Thomas Burnett Swann was a celebrated author of numerous fantasies, often set in the Ancient World and populated by mythic creatures. His bucolic tales, frequently published in the 1960s and '70s, draw upon mythology to offer readers an escape into nostalgic, idyllic landscapes. Swann's distinctive style gently explores the boundaries between myth and reality, with his works continuing to be admired for their classical elegance and feel for forgotten worlds.






The Classical World of H. D
- 238 pages
- 9 hours of reading
The Forest of Forever
- 170 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Set in a mystical land, the narrative explores the existence of the last Minotaur among other enchanting yet eerie inhabitants of a forest steeped in folklore. This unique realm blurs the lines between humanity and beastliness, inviting readers to delve into the complex relationships and themes of identity, belonging, and the nature of existence. The story promises a rich tapestry of characters and a hauntingly beautiful setting that captivates the imagination.
Moondust
- 134 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Renowned for his enchanting depictions of ancient civilizations and mythical cultures, the author blends scholarly insight with poetic flair. His work transports readers to forgotten eras, exploring the depth and richness of history through a fantastical lens. Swann's unique storytelling captures the imagination, inviting exploration of lost peoples and their wonders.
The Goat Without Horns
- 148 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Set on a remote island that transforms from paradise to nightmare, the story follows a young man raised in the constraints of Victorian England. His only ally is a solitary dolphin, while he faces threats from organized hammerhead sharks. The narrative explores themes of isolation and the reversal of societal norms, creating a surreal atmosphere that challenges the protagonist's understanding of friendship and danger in this strange, wild setting.
The Minikins of Yam
- 138 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Set in ancient Egypt, the story intertwines mythical creatures with historical figures, focusing on the young Pharaoh Pepy II, a compassionate ruler who secretly aids the needy. His benevolence is jeopardized by his scheming sister, the queen, who plots his assassination to seize power. The tension escalates as she plans to disguise the murder as a sacrificial offering, leveraging the panic caused by the prophetic appearance of a phoenix. This tale explores themes of power, betrayal, and the intersection of myth and history.
Anarchist Cybernetics
- 190 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Igniting a new field of scholarly inquiry, this pioneering book introduces cybernetic thinking to politics and organizational studies to explore the continuing development of the radical idea of participatory democracy within organizations.
Thomas Burnett Swann (1928-1976) earned a distinguished reputation among writers of science fiction, one that caused his enthusiastic following to nominate him again and again for awards. Unique in his talent, his novels dealt not with the far future, but with the enigma of the past. Prior to the dawn of human history, the Earth did not belong solely to humanity -- there were other intelligent species still fighting a last-stand battle against extinction.Remembered today only in legend, these are creatures of the trees and water, beings that combined beast and man, with strange lore of their own and sciences lost to the human victors. GREEN PHOENIX is a tour-de-force of the final stronghold of the prehumans against the last legion of fallen Troy. "He writes his own golden thing his own way..." --Theodore Sturgeon, The New York Times "Swann's neo-romantic fantasies of the past are unique. He uses the stuff of myth with twists and inventions all his own." --The Village Voice After being unavailable for many years, the complete works of Thomas Burnett Swann are being reprinted by Wildside Press -- all 16 novels and the complete short stories.
Day of the Minotaur
- 142 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Set in a fantastical realm, this novel features Eunostos, the last bull-man of an ancient race, alongside the Achaean hero Ajax and the enchanting Beast Princess, Thea. The story unfolds amidst a vivid tapestry of unique characters, including the intriguing Bears of Artemis and the treacherous Thriae. As they confront the climactic War of the Beasts, readers are drawn into a rich narrative filled with adventure and imagination, reminiscent of the legendary tales by Tolkien and Burroughs.