Andre Norton

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Andre Norton Biography

Andre Norton (born Alice Norton) proved that science fiction was not just a boy's club (though of course Mary Shelley was the very first sci-fi writer). She may have written under male pseudonyms, but her work helped pave the way for other women writers in the genre and ultimately broadened the subject matter of sci-fi itself. Though many of her novels take place on other planets, it would be a mistake to credit Norton’s success solely based on her ability to create make-believe worlds. Her themes are deeply humanistic, and her settings are often rooted in nature, with technology depicted as a particularly predominant evil. Always at the center of Norton's stories are regular, real-world characters who must face daunting challenges and overcome them through their own personal virtue.

Facts and Trivia

  • Norton published under several pseudonyms. She legally changed her first name to Andre early in her career, recognizing that science fiction and fantasy had a primarily male audience.
  • Books were a huge part of Norton’s life. In addition to the bookstore she owned and briefly managed, she worked as a librarian in Ohio during the early days of her writing career.
  • Among the many authors whose work was influenced by Norton are David Weber, Greg Bear, and Tanya Huff.
  • Norton’s output was incredibly prolific. She published novels (over 320!), short stories, and poems from her early twenties into her early nineties.
  • In 2005, roughly one month before her death at the age of 93, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America created an award in her honor.

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Biography

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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...

(This entire section contains 757 words.)

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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.

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