Andre Norton Mercedes Lackey

Alice Mary Norton, born in 1912 and later adopting the pen name Andre Norton, was an American writer renowned for her science fiction and fantasy novels. She also explored historical and contemporary fiction, often writing under pseudonyms like Andrew North and Allen Weston. Norton's career spanned over seven decades, resulting in hundreds of published titles that influenced multiple generations of readers and writers. She was a pioneering woman in the genre, becoming the first female recipient of the Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy award, the SFWA Grand Master award, and induction into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.

Norton's early life included working in libraries, which provided her with a foundation for her writing career. She legally changed her name to Andre Alice Norton in 1934, believing it would enhance her marketability in the fantasy genre, which was primarily aimed at a male audience at the time. She worked briefly at the Library of Congress and owned a bookstore before dedicating herself to writing full-time in 1958. Her health concerns led her to relocate several times before her passing in 2005. Her legacy includes numerous awards, a dedicated library facility, and the establishment of the Andre Norton Award for young adult fantasy and science fiction.

Born Alice Mary Norton in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1912, she developed her writing skills early on, contributing to her high school newspaper. After graduating, she pursued teaching studies but left due to the Great Depression, taking a position with the Cleveland Library System for eighteen years. During this time, she legally adopted the name Andre Alice Norton in 1934, a pen name she had used for her first book, aiming to broaden her appeal to the predominantly male audience for fantasy literature. Her early career also included a stint as a special librarian at the Library of Congress and a brief period owning a bookstore, before she transitioned to working as a reader for a science fiction publisher and eventually became a full-time professional writer in 1958.

Andre Norton's prolific career produced over 300 published titles, encompassing science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and contemporary fiction. She was particularly known for her speculative fiction series, most notably the expansive "Witch World" saga, which began in 1963 and developed into a shared universe. Her work often targeted the young adult market, but her influence extended broadly across the genre. Norton was recognized with numerous awards, including the World Fantasy Award for lifetime achievement and nominations for the Hugo Award. She was a founding member of the Swordsmen and Sorcerers' Guild of America (SAGA). Her writing also extended into the realm of role-playing games, with her novel "Quag Keep" being one of the first to be based on Dungeons & Dragons.

Andre Norton's significant impact on science fiction and fantasy was acknowledged through various accolades. She was the first woman to receive the Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy award, the SFWA Grand Master award, and to be inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America established the Andre Norton Award in her honor in 1984, recognizing outstanding young adult fantasy and science fiction works. Many prominent authors have cited her as a major influence on their careers. The High Hallack Library, a research facility for genre writers and scholars, was also organized with her involvement, underscoring her dedication to the literary community.