Alice Mary Norton
Pen Name: Andre Norton
Born: February 17, 1912
Died: March 17, 2005
Andre Norton (born Alice Mary Norton, 1912–2005) was a foundational and immensely prolific American author, celebrated as the "Grand Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy." Over a career spanning seven decades, she wrote more than 300 novels and countless short stories, becoming a pillar of both genres and a mentor to many aspiring writers.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Norton worked as a children's librarian, a role that profoundly influenced her accessible and adventure-driven style. She began publishing in the 1930s, adopting the male pseudonym "Andre" because the market for adventure and science fiction was overwhelmingly male, and she believed it would improve her chances of being published and taken seriously.
Recurring themes of Norton's work include a profound connection between humans and intelligent, often telepathic, animal companions.