Andre Norton
Introduction
Andre Norton, the ``Grand Dame of SF and Fantasy'',
is almost single handedly responsible for the
success of the Science Fiction Fantasy genre.
Alice Mary Norton began writing before the ``Golden Age''
of science fiction, at a time when it seemed unlikely that
a woman would be accepted in the male dominated world of
science fiction. At her publisher's request she changed her
name to Andre Norton.
From her early days she wove together spellbinding combinations
of science fiction and fantasy, in addition to straight science
fiction, and a smattering of other types, including detective
gothic, spy and historic novels. She has also interwoven these
themes in many of her sciennce fiction and fantasy works.
At this time, she has published alomost 200 books (including a few
with other authors such as Mercedes Lackey and Marrion Zimmer Bradley),
with more in the pipeline. Few other authors have been as prolific;
I can't think of any who have been as prolific and as
good! [1]
Her Writing
I believe that much of her long term success came through her
various series of novels. The best known of these is undoubtedly
the Witch World series, but the Solar Queen,
Forerunner, Time Agents and other series also have
huge followings. The Forerunner series includes subseries
as well, including one of my personal favorites, the Thassa
(also known as the Free Trader or Moon Singer) series:
- Moon of Three Rings
- Exiles of the Stars
- Flight From Yiktor
- Dare to Go A-Hunting
The Thassa series ends up tying in some of the older European
myths, other Forerunner ideas, and the far future, into a
beautiful package. Along the way, she deals with themes of rejection
and outcasts, interspecies wars and goodwill, along with elements of
detective and spy novels, and a sort of pan-galactic Showdown at the
OK Corral.
She has also written shorter series based on reusing a single character,
such as Hosteen Storm from The Beastmaster, an Amerindian without
a home, since Earth was destroyed by an alien race.
Ms. Norton makes excellent use of both male and female protagonists and
antagonists, as well as animals and various extraterrestrials. One
novel is based on super-intelligent cats and dogs. Her worlds are as
varies as her heroes and villains; her plot ideas vary widely.
In addition to her novels, she has written a number of shorts stories,
again including several series.
Synopsis, Reviews
Over time, I will write up brief synopses of all of her books to which
I have access, along (sometimes) with reviews.
Other Information
FOOTNOTES
- Yes, I know who Isaac Asimov is! While some of his
material is excellent , I don't this overall quality comes near that
of Ms. Norton.
Last updated: 29 August 1998
Copyright 1998 Miles O'Neal, Austin, TX. All rights reserved.
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