Plague Ship

by Andre Norton

Overview

Experience a thrilling interstellar adventure with Andre Norton's "Plague Ship," a classic of science fiction. Aboard the Solar Queen, danger lurks as a mysterious plague threatens the crew and their mission. This gripping tale blends elements of space travel with action and suspense, showcasing Norton's masterful storytelling. Dive into a world of daring exploration and the fight for survival against an unknown enemy. "Plague Ship" is a timeless example of science fiction adventure, perfect for readers who enjoy thrilling space opera and classic tales of courage. This meticulously prepared print edition brings Norton's imaginative world to life, preserving the story for all to enjoy. A captivating read for fans of science fiction and adventure alike.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781023132596
Publisher:	Anson Street Press
Publication date:	03/28/2025
Pages:	148
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.32(d)

About the Author

Andre Norton, born Alice Mary Norton on February 17, 1912, in Cleveland, Ohio, was a pioneering American writer of science fiction and fantasy. Often referred to as “The Grande Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy,” Norton was one of the first women to achieve prominence in a genre long dominated by men. Over the course of her career, she authored more than 130 novels and was a trailblazer in shaping science fiction and fantasy as serious literary landscapes for both adult and young readers.

Norton began writing early and published her first novel, The Prince Commands, in 1934. In the early 1950s, she legally changed her name to “Andre Alice Norton,” believing a masculine pen name would better appeal to the science fiction audience of the time. Her breakthrough came with the Witch World series (beginning in 1963), which blended elements of science fiction and high fantasy long before such genre hybrids were common.

In addition to Witch World, Norton is best known for her Solar Queen series, of which Plague Ship (1956) is the second volume. These novels reflect her interest in space exploration, cross-cultural encounters, and the moral complexities of commerce and empire in galactic settings. Her protagonists—often young, self-reliant, and honorable—resonate strongly with themes of identity, integrity, and courage.

Norton’s work was notable for its inclusion of strong female characters, complex alien cultures, and thoughtful engagement with issues of ethics and ecology. She was also one of the first science fiction writers to write extensively for young adult audiences, anticipating the explosion of YA speculative fiction by several decades.

Throughout her life, Norton was a voracious reader and scholar. She worked as a librarian for many years, including at the Library of Congress, and her knowledge of mythology, folklore, and history informed the rich worlds she created. Her literary influences ranged from H. Rider Haggard and Rudyard Kipling to Robert Louis Stevenson and H.P. Lovecraft. Norton received numerous awards and honors, including being the first woman to receive the Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) in 1984. In her later years, she mentored younger writers and helped establish the High Hallack Library, a research facility and writers' retreat.