Andre Norton carved out an unparalleled legacy in fantasy and science
fiction literature over a career that spanned more than six decades. Her
journey began when she was still a high school student, writing and editing for
her school newspaper. Despite starting with historical fiction, her
contributions to genres like fantasy, science fiction, and more established her
as a legendary figure in literary circles.
Early Beginnings and Literary Influences
Born Alice Mary Norton on February 12, 1917, in Cleveland, Ohio, Norton's
early life was steeped in literature. Her father, Adalbert Freely Norton, ran a
rug company, while her mother, Bertha Stemm Norton, nurtured a love for
stories, reading to her from a very young age. By the time she was four, Norton
was already familiar with classics like Little Women, and she soon fell
in love with tales from Old Mother West Wind and the Oz series. Weekly visits
to the library were a cherished ritual, with good grades earning her the reward
of new books. Her bond with her mother was particularly strong, with her mother
serving both as a critic and an editor. Although she aspired to become a
history teacher, the economic strains of the Great Depression cut her college
education short after just one year, leading her to support her family through
work.
Library Career and War-time Contributions
Norton spent the next two decades working within the Cleveland Library
System, predominantly in the children’s section, where she interacted with a
diverse array of cultures and people. For a brief period before World War II,
she took on a special librarian role at the Library of Congress, working on a
citizenship project. Her task was to select and adapt books for those learning
English to pursue American citizenship. However, this role was unfortunately
cut short by the onset of the war.
Transition to a Writer's Life
In 1934, Alice Mary Norton adopted the pseudonym Andre Alice Norton, a
decision that marked the publication of her first book. This name change was
strategic, aimed at enhancing her marketability in a male-dominated sphere,
particularly given her focus on young male readers. Her wartime novel, The
Sword Is Drawn, released in 1944, earned her significant acclaim, including
recognition from the Dutch government for its authentic depiction of the Dutch
resistance during World War II. Her first foray into science fiction came with
the story "People of the Crater," published in the inaugural edition of
Fantasy Book in 1947.
Challenges and Triumphs in the 1950s
The 1950s were challenging yet significant years for Norton. She was
employed by Gnome Press to read manuscripts, an occupation that allowed her to
continue working despite suffering from agoraphobia, a condition that had
abruptly ended her librarian career. Writing became a lifeline, and during this
time, she began the The Solar Queen series under the pen name Andrew
North. Her first science fiction novel, Star Man's Son, 2250 A.D., came
out in 1952. While at Gnome Press, she managed to write nine more science
fiction novels and edited four short story collections, until she ultimately
dedicated herself entirely to writing.
Prolific Output and "Witch World" Series
The 1960s marked a prolific period for Norton, with the publication of
twenty-two novels in both science fiction and fantasy. This was also the decade
when she launched her celebrated "Witch World" series, drawing from English
legends and ancient Celtic folklore. The series would grow to include roughly
thirty-five books by 1998, with the last known installment being Ciara’s
Song: A Chronicle of the Witch World . In 1966, she relocated to Winter Park, Florida, for...
health reasons, but continued her relentless pace of writing.
Recognition and Legacy
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Norton continued to receive numerous
accolades for her contributions to both science fiction and fantasy. Her
landmark achievements include becoming the first woman to win the Gandalf Grand
Master of Fantasy Award in 1977, followed by the Nebula Grand Master Award in
1984. These distinctions solidified her status as the Grand Dame of Science
Fiction and Fantasy.
Establishing High Hallack
In 1996, Norton announced plans to move to Monterey, Tennessee, with the
ambitious vision of creating a unique research library and retreat for genre
writers. This dream came to fruition with the opening of High Hallack Genre
Writers' Research and Reference Library on February 28, 1999. Open to writers
of college age or older, the library serves as a sanctuary for those engaged in
writing science fiction, fantasy, horror, gothic, mystery, romance, and western
genres. Norton's establishment of this library underscores her commitment to
nurturing popular fiction and preserving its rich legacy for future
generations.