Andre Norton

Andre Norton, born as Alice Mary Norton in 1912, was a prominent American author known for her contributions to the science fiction and fantasy genres. She was a prolific writer who used various pen names, including Andrew North and Allen Weston, with her chosen name of Andre Norton becoming widely recognized.

Norton's love for writing began in her teenage years, inspired by a captivating high school teacher. Her journey in the publishing world led her to adopt a literary pseudonym to appeal to a male-dominated market. This decision resulted in her legal name change to Andre Alice Norton in 1934, the same year she published her first novel.

Over her extensive career, Norton received numerous accolades. She was the first woman to receive the Gandalf Grand Master Award from the World Science Fiction Society in 1977 and the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) in 1983. She was also a two-time Hugo Award nominee and three-time World Fantasy Award nominee for lifetime achievement, winning the award in 1998. Norton's influence extended beyond her work, as she was instrumental in the creation of the Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy in 2005.

Norton's writing encompassed various genres, including historical fiction, adventure, romance, and her famous science fiction and fantasy works. Cats and other animals often played significant roles in her stories, displaying high intelligence and telepathic abilities. Her most popular series, Witch World, has captivated readers for decades. Often referred to as the Grande Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Norton's literary legacy continues to inspire new generations of authors and readers.