The Most Beautiful Man in the World by Janis and Richard Londraville
“[Swan has] long since fallen off art’s historical map, his own work so completely forgotten that he’s best known, to those who have heard of him at all, as the star of Warhol’s Paul Swan and Camp. Now his obscurity is lifting. . . . More than just than the story of an artist and his dubious oeuvre, The Most Beautiful Man in the World is a depiction of a queer man trying to make it in the 20th century. . . . Whatever the quality of his art, Swan’s life will remain valuable to an understanding of gender in the 20th century. His story, as the Londravilles tell it, is an intensely poignant drama of tensions between family and desire.” —Creative Loafing-Weekly Planet.com– Tampa Bay (4/19/06)
“Reading this fascinating biography is like leafing through a crumbling scrapbook, one filled with faded photographs, old dance programs and pressed flowers. It is the incredible story of Paul Swan, a man once described by a journalist as the most beautiful man in the world and, indeed, during the 1920s he was. . . . With unprecedented access to Swan’s personal papers, including his letters, diaries and even an unpublished memoir, the authors have documented the story of this highly conflicted bisexual artist and gay camp idol. It is a story that is intriguing and highly readable.”—Larry Cox, Arizona Daily Star and Tucson Citizen (3/30/06)
"Here, Janis and Richard Londraville present Swan’s full story, carefully tracing his professional accomplishments and contributions and sensitively revealing his complex family life, personal eccentricities, and bisexual lifestyle within the context of his time, place, and culture. The authors’ extensive research, access to original documents and materials, and interviews form the basis for this highly literate and engaging book, enhanced by a fine selection of photographs."—Library Journal
"[An] insightful and compassionate biography. . . . The Londravilles don’t focus on [Swan’s] oddities. Their book succeeds because they concentrate on Swan’s considerable artistic achievements, especially his accomplished portraits."—Publishers Weekly
UNP blog 
December 9, 2006
Dear Janis Londraville,
In August 1999 I received from a family member a portrait, drawn in pencil or charcoal, of my father, signed “Paul Swan -’21- Roussillon “. If, in fact, this portrait was done by the American artist, Paul Swan, I would like to know how I can confirm that. The signature on the drawing should be a match, I would assume. My father, b 1899, d. 1966, was Swiss, and travelled to and from Europe often during his lifetime. What can you tell me about the artist and his work in this time period, 1921? I am not a collector, buyer or seller. Thank you for any advice you may offer.
Sincerely,
Constance Ekrem
I might be able to give you an idea as to authenticity if I were able to see a copy of the work, including Paul’s signature. Typically, Uncle Paul’s subjects were given thicker hair, elongated necks (almost swan-like), and elongated hands — if he liked the subject. If he were not so impressed with the person, he frequently made them look more stern with a shorter neck!. I have seen a lot of his work, knew him, and almost have an inate sense of what work was his even before seeing his signature. Hope this posting is not too late.
You may reach me by visiting paulswan.net and clicking on our email connection. Richard Londraville and I are happy to be in touch with Swan collectors. Since the biography was released, Swan’s prices have increased a great deal.
Janis Londraville
State University of New York at Potsdam