Andre Norton

Andre Norton Biography

Andre Alice Norton (February 17, 1912 – March 17, 2005) was a pioneering American author of science fiction and fantasy, renowned for her extensive body of work that captivated readers for decades. Born as Alice Mary Norton in Cleveland, Ohio, she developed a passion for literature early in life, influenced by her family's appreciation for books. During her high school years at Collinwood High School, she began writing short stories and served as the editor of the school's literary page, The Collinwood Spotlight. It was during this time that she penned her first novel, Ralestone Luck, which was eventually published in 1938.

After graduating in 1930, Norton attended Flora Stone Mather College of Western Reserve University with aspirations of becoming a history teacher. However, due to the economic challenges of the Great Depression, she left college in 1932 and began working for the Cleveland Public Library, where she remained for 18 years. In 1934, she legally changed her name to Andre Alice Norton, adopting a male pseudonym to appeal to the predominantly male readership of fantasy and science fiction at the time.

Norton's literary career gained momentum with the publication of her first novel, The Prince Commands, in 1934. She continued to write prolifically, producing numerous works that spanned genres including historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. Her novel Star Man's Son, 2250 A.D. (1952) marked her entry into science fiction, and she gained significant acclaim with the launch of her Witch World series in 1963, which became one of her most celebrated works.

Throughout her career, Norton received numerous accolades, including being the first woman to be named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 1983. She was also inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 1997. Norton's legacy endures through her extensive bibliography, which has inspired generations of readers and writers in the speculative fiction genre.

Trivia About Andre Norton

• Andre Norton was the first woman to be Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy, to be SFWA Grand Master, and to be inducted by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
• She wrote under several pseudonyms, including Andrew North and Allen Weston.
• Norton legally changed her name to Andre Alice Norton in 1934 to appeal to a broader audience, particularly young male readers.
• She was a founding member of the Swordsmen and Sorcerers' Guild of America (SAGA), a group of heroic fantasy authors.

Famous Quotes by Andre Norton

• "As for courage and will – we cannot measure how much of each lies within us, we can only trust there will be sufficient to carry through trials which may lie ahead."
• "There's no night without stars."
• "The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Andre Norton?

Andre Norton was a prolific American author known for her contributions to science fiction and fantasy literature. She wrote over 130 novels and was a trailblazer for women in the genre.

What is Andre Norton best known for?

She is best known for her Witch World series, a pioneering work in the fantasy genre that has inspired many authors and readers alike.

Did Andre Norton write under any other names?

Yes, she wrote under the pseudonyms Andrew North and Allen Weston, in addition to her legal name, Andre Norton.

Related Literary Movements

Andre Norton was a significant figure in the development of science fiction and fantasy literature, particularly in the mid-20th century. Her work contributed to the popularization of speculative fiction and paved the way for future generations of writers in the genre.

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