Grimoire XII
Videos of Andre Norton
Here you can view eleven different videos of Andre Norton.
The first two are just a couple of minutes long, a new item from an Orlando, FL TV-station in 1994 and an interview from the internet.
Four quarter-hour long videos of Andre Norton in different circumstances.
A one-hour documentary on Andre Norton in rough draft form shown in its entirety.
Convention appearance by Andre Norton at Noreascon 1989. ~ split up into quarter hour segments.
World Fantasy Convention 1992 panel appearance by Andre Norton ~ two versions, both split up into four sections.
A one-hour long video of Andre Norton entertaining guest at her house in Orlando, FL. - split up into quarter hour segments.
Two hours of a video conversation between Andre Norton and her close friend Mark Karpinski discussing her work and general topics. - split up into quarter hour long segments.
Andre Norton in her office. Winter Park, Florida 1990s
A news report on The Great Lady of Science Fiction from WESH Ch. 2, Orlando FL - 1994 ~ Approx. 1 ½ minutes
Here is a short interview by Captain Rick with Andre about race and racism in Science Fiction and Fantasy. (Found on the internet) ~ Approx. 2 ½ minutes
1987 to 1999
The videos in this group should be considered as private moments in the life of Andre Norton. They are shared by her close friends. Please do not misuse or abuse them.
The first is a private moment in Andre's life showing her getting ready to go to a presentation with Tom Doherty at the World Fantasy Convention in Nashville, Tennessee 1987. See a PDF copy of the Flier created for this party. ~ Approx. 9 minutes
Andre Norton hosting an Invitation Only Tea Party at the Noreascon III convention in Boston ~ 1989. Including Andre modeling a costume for the "Black Trillium" book she is promoting. ~ Approx. 13 minutes
Next is an informal chat with Andre, Ingrid Zierhut, Mark Karpinski and 2 large Siamese cats in the kitchen of Winter Park, FL sometime in 1995 or 1996 from the content. Subjects discussed rang from cats, Andre's memories of her family's first car to the "Witch World Dictionary" and a story line for which Andre seems to be stuck on. ~ Approx. 22 minutes
Finally, we have the opening of The High Hallack library in Murfreesboro, TN. We believe this is in 1999. You should be warned that so many people are talking at once it is very hard to hear the audio. ~ Approx. 11 ½ Minutes
There were many reasons to be excited about Dragon*Con 2012 — but now, here's one more huge reason. A new documentary about legendary author Andre Norton is premiering at the massive Atlanta convention on Friday.
The Press Release: DragonCon September 01, 2012
Premier Digital Publishing is pleased to announce that the documentary "Andre Norton - The Grande Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy" will be screened at DragonCon, the largest Science Fiction and Fantasy convention in the world, in Atlanta, GA on August 31, 2012. Andre Norton, who would have celebrated her 100th birthday this past February 17th, has published over 130 novels and co-authored over 180 others, that have been translated into 67 languages. Norton's success helped open the door to other talented female Science Fiction and Fantasy writers and create a more inclusive platform for women authors. Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1912, as Alice Mary Norton, Andre published her first novel at the age of 22, The Prince Commands, under the name Andre Norton, which she changed legally. From then onwards, Andre wrote and published stories while working in the Cleveland Library system, including the Nottingham Branch Library, and did so for 18 years.
Through the course of 70 years of writing, Andre published over 310 novels that include collaborations, stand-alone and multiple series titles, as well as poems, children's stories and short stories. MS. Norton has been heralded as The Grande Dame of Science Fiction, by Life magazine, A superb storyteller with a narrative pace all her own, by The New York Times, and Andre Norton is a superb storyteller, by the Chicago Tribune. "There's something beyond skillful plots and incredibly imaginative settings. Something intangible that fuses her writing into the pillars and archways of your soul. The Lady, as her fans call her, reaches the hearts of people like no one else," commented the Andre Norton Estate. "Her style is clean and simple. She doesn't digress into an examination of minutiae, of either exterior or interior worlds. With graceful economy she hands the reader the very hearts of her characters and cleanly etches her settings - like an artist who can suggest the whole shape of an object by the thickness of the line with which she draws. The results are lean, rich stories that move.
"The documentary film, "Andre Norton - The Grande Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy", will look at the closely guarded private life of Alice Mary Norton, who changed her first name to Andre, to be able to publish in the male-dominated Science Fiction/Fantasy genre. The film is a tribute in which fellow authors and friends share their remembrances of Norton who passed away in 2005, at the age of 93. A large portion of the proceeds from this project will be used to create a legal defense fund in an effort to protect Andre Norton's works for future generations to enjoy. "Combining both a look into the little-known personal life that Andre Norton held so privately and that of her professional life that made such a dynamic impact was the focus when I was first asked to do this project" commented Scott C. Brown of Pushing the Pen.
Even today, Sue Stewart, the heir to Andre's estate, continues to fight a legal battle in an effort to bring Andres massive volume of works back to print, along with expanding the film base that has been adapted from her works. Anyone familiar with her material will recognize a constant onslaught of ideas that Andre first came up with being used in the film industry. "Already over 30 of Andre Norton titles are available as eBooks from Premier Digital Publishing, including titles from the beloved Witch World and Magic series, for Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Apple iBooks, Kobo Books, Google Play, and Sony Reader Store. We are honored to publish Andre Norton's timeless titles as eBooks, including the Witch World and Magic series, said Thomas Ellsworth, CEO and Chairman of Premier Digital Publishing. We are excited to see a new generation of readers, Science Fiction and Fantasy fans being able to enjoy Norton's timeless tales and to learn about her life's work".
As it turned out - this was a screening of a very rough draft. With maybe a dozen people showing up. I must say again it was a very rough draft and I'm not quite sure why the producer chose to screen it at the time. Over the past several years I have seen multiple postings announcing the release of the finished product, but none have ever come true. I have heard just as many stories as to why this is the case. I have been holding a version supplied to me by the producer since September 2015 and now I share it with you. The last release date that I have seen was May 2016 and I have attempted to contact Scott to no avail - If the day comes that he complains to me I may be forced to take it down. It is still a rough draft but is much better than the version I first saw at DragonCon 2012. ~ Lotsawatts
As it turned out - this was a screening of a very rough draft. With maybe a dozen people showing up. I must say again it was a very rough draft and I'm not quite sure why the producer chose to screen it at the time. Over the past several years I have seen multiple postings announcing the release of the finished product, but none have ever come true. I have heard just as many stories as to why this is the case. I have been holding a version supplied to me by the producer since September 2015 and now I share it with you. The last release date that I have seen was May 2016 and I have attempted to contact Scott to no avail - If the day comes that he complains to me I may be forced to take it down. It is still a rough draft but is much better than the version I first saw at DragonCon 2012. ~ Lotsawatts
Added to this site on May 26, 2017 ~ Approx: 58 minutes
Three short films of Andre, friends and colleagues discussing whatever comes to mind as they take time to visit one another during their very busy weekend. Part 1 is of Andre Norton talking with L. Sprague De Camp. We believe that the lady in the blue blouse on the right side of the picture is Sasha Miller and we are doing what we can to verify this. Andre is being presented with a leather-bound edition of "Gurps Witch World: Roleplaying Guide in Andre Norton’s Witch World Witch World” by Ben and Sasha Miller. ~ Approx. 17 ¾ minutes
Part 2 is after Andre has ended a private party, she sits with friends Ingrid Zierhut and Becky D. Peters discussing topics like shopping, sewing and how to put that in stories. This is a real nice look into the private side of Andre. ~ Approx. 17 ½ minutes
Part 3 ~ A segment of Andre Norton, Sandra Miesel and Jane Yolen participating in a panel titled “The Best New Fantasy Writers”. The topics are interesting, but I feel the need to tell you that you should listen to this without trying to watch it. The audio and video don’t really add up and the picture is really shaky. ~ Approx. 12 ¼ minutes
World Fantasy Convention Video Interview with Andre Norton 1992
Moderated by Irene Harrison
Below are two versions of the same interview, the first group of four films makeup the professional recording of the discussion and the second group is the hand-held by Mark Karpinski, a good friend of Andre's.
The first four videos consist of quarter hour segments of Andre Norton talking about being a writer, how the business has changed over the years, her cats and of course her books. They are taken with a tripod and a professional camera. Unfortunately, we cannot tell you who may have shot the film or holds the copyright for it. It was supplied by Irene Harisson, the lady doing the interview. Because we have no copyright info, we have posted this without any credits or watermarks. We wish to thank Irene for finding this video and contributing it to us.
Of course, Part 1 starts off with Cats what else would it be. She then announces the release of “Catfantastic 3” and “Mark of the Cat”. Some pearls of getting a book published in today’s market and then she tells of the saga behind her book “Songsmith” and getting cover-art. ~ Approx. 15 ¾ minutes
Part 2 continues right where we left off talking about cover-art for books like “Stand to Horse”, “Sneeze on Sunday”, “Knave of Dreams”, “Storm Over Warlock” and one of my favorites “Forerunner”. There is very interesting segment with Andre covering history and research that she would do for a story like “Empire of the Eagle”. ~ Approx. 16 ¾ minutes
Part 3 picks up with Andre talking about writing short stories and the release of “A Very Dickensy Christmas” and the “The Nabob’s Gift” with quick mentions of other titles coming out soon. Then the floor is opened up to audience questions. ~ Approx. 14 ¾ minutes
Part 4 continues with audience questions covering topics such as writing under a pin name, fan feedback and where she came up with the idea for the “Sword” series. ~ Approx. 17 ¾ minutes
The following four videos are basically the same as the ones above except they are from a handheld video camera just to the left of the one above and are submitted to us by Mark Karpinski, a great friend of Andre’s. It should be noted that the credits for the following four videos state the date as 1987 this is wrong and someday, we will correct it.
Viewer Warning: The first 10 minutes of Mark's film has a serious audio problem. The audio and video are not in sink and there is a delayed echo lasting just long enough to make you think that there is another lecture going on. I recommend that you just listen to the first 10 minutes. It does improve. ~ Approx. 16 ¾ minutes ~ handheld
World Fantasy Con 1992 pt. 2 ~ Approx. 17 ¼ minutes ~ handheld
World Fantasy Con 1992 pt. 3 ~ Approx. 16 ½ minutes ~ handheld (approx. 7 minutes in the lighting goes a little funky for a bit)
World Fantasy Con 1992 pt. 4 ~ Approx. 16 minutes ~ handheld (the last 4 minutes is of everyone exiting the hall and the audio gets rather load)
Featuring Frank Dowler and John L. Coker III
In this four-part series you will see Andre Norton, Frank Dowler and John L. Coker III along with their wives discuss various topics. Off camera are Ingrid Zierhut and Mark Karpinski, Mark is running the camera.
We start off with Andre sitting in her living room holding the Scientificon First Fandom: Hall of Fame Award of 1994. Being presented by Frank Dowler (Owner/Operator: Enterprise 1701 in Orlando, Fl.) with John L. Coker III (Photographer) and other guest. The conversation ranges from upcoming works to marketing the High Hallack Library. Note: the date appearing on the film for the first few minutes is wrong. ~ Approx. 15 ½ minutes
In part 2 Andre begins by talking about how difficult it is to get her copies of the books they are publishing. She mentions a very special copy of "Star Mans Son" and "Hands of Lyr". We find out that the High Hallack property would have had a "Witch World Store" and other neat tidbits about the Sci-Fi world. ~ Approx. 16 ½ minutes
The conversation is continued in part 3 with how you get people to sell their wares in your store. Who received the Nebula Awards for the year and publishing books today. ~ Approx. 15 ½ minutes
In part 4 Andre's eye light up when she is handed a copy of "Stand to Horse" ~ it seems the cover is not what it should be. Did you know there is a whole lot of research that goes into a title by Andre. ~ Approx. 19 minutes
An Interview by Mark Karpinski ~ July 2004
This is an eight-part look into the life of Andre Norton, done in two separate interviews split into four quarter segments each. In what is more than likely Andre’s last words on video she answers both personal and professional questions. The viewer should be aware that these videos were done just six to nine months before her death and at times you can tell that the Great Lady is fading away from us. What they show to me is that Andre had no regrets and loved her profession till the end. Although it did appear she had a problem with publishers but hay – who doesn’t.
Part 1 opens with Mark asking Andre “How did your parents' meat?” and the history goes on until the beginning of WWII. We learn that Andre had to close her bookstore and then became a Government Teacher of English for Immigrants during the war. ~ Approx. 15 ½ minutes
In Part 2 Andre is telling us about cars when she was young and recounts her cruise on the high seas just before the war. There is an interruption in the film, and we return with Andre telling us about conventions, her earliest publishers and responding to fan mail. ~ Approx. 14 ½ minutes
Part 3 Andre tells us about the marketing of her work and why she never really got any backing from her peers. With a little more about the history of publishing. ~ Approx. 15 3/4 minutes
Part 4 opens with Andre and Mark sitting at the dining room table recounting old stories and family history. It fittingly ends with the need for ice cream. ~ Approx. 14 minutes
************************
The following is held in the same setting but sometime later (no date) although we are sure it is later. Andre is slightly off her game in this sitting but is still lucid enough to tell some interesting tidbits.
Part 5 opens with Mark asking why she had to change her name. Then we move into authors that influenced her and the market. Moves a little slow but is interesting. ~ Approx. 16 ½ minutes
In part 6 Andre is asked “How many books where you doing at your prime?” We find out what influenced the writing of her last book “Three Hands for Scorpio”. What happened to the last six chapters she was writing, and we hear of an invention that would have been of great interest to Andre. ~ Approx. 16 ½ minutes
Part 7 we find out why librarians wash their hands so much. How she got published and what getting published is like today. Why she edited books and why Sci-Fi took off so to say. ~ Approx. 13 ½ minutes
We end this look into Andre’s life while listening to Andre talk about the two kinds of Sci-Fi and who writes what. How technology tends to follow Sci-Fi and who was the leader of tech writing. ~ Approx. 14 ½ minutes
Click to Enlarge
We at Andre-Norton-Books.com will surely miss Andre and proudly proclaim:
Long Live the memory of the Great Lady of Science Fiction
~ Andre Norton
