Alden H. Norton

(July 23, 1903 – January 1987 )

Alden Holmes Norton was the editor of the prozines Astonishing Stories and Super Science Stories in the 1940s and a number of anthologies in the 1960s and 1970s, some with Sam Moskowitz. He was an honorary member of the British Fantasy Society (BFS).

In Futurian War Digest #24 (November 1942), J. Michael Rosenblum reported receiving a letter from Norton:

During the present emergency a good many science fiction fans in Britain and the Dominions have been deprived of access to American magazines. I have tried to assemble a list of representative fans from across the sea, including yourself, and have just sent a memo to our circulation department, instructing them to put you on our free mailing list for Super Science Stories and Astonishing Stories. I hope you will find these books interesting. They seem to be going over pretty well with the American fans. ...I know it is only natural to regard with some wariness anything which comes free of charge. But rest assured that this action on my part is prompted by no other wish than to give at least a few British fans an opportunity to get some American science magazines during these unfortunate times.

Some months later, Donald A. Wollheim revealed that he had compiled the 'list of representative fans' at Norton's request.

In British Fantasy Society Bulletin #5 (December 1942), editor D. R. Smith wrote

It has been suggested by several members that we ought to honour this most worthy Editor in some way as an acknowledgment of his generosity to British fandom, the only feasible way being to make him an Honorary member. This we have done, and the following letter is being sent to Mr Norton.

'As a token of the gratitude felt by British fandom for your really notable generosity in providing a number of representative British fans with free copies of Astonishing Stories and Super Science Stories it has been decided to make you an Honorary Member of the above Society. We trust that you will accept this humble testament of our esteem. Small honour though it be, it is the only one in our power to offer you.

'We enclose your Membership Card and a copy of our Prospectus setting out the functions and aspirations of our Society. With the most sincere wishes for your happiness and prosperity during the coming year.'

• Alden H. Norton in Internet Speculative Fiction Database

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Person

1903—1987

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