Judith Merril was a pioneer of twentieth-century science fiction, a prolific author, and editor. She was also a passionate social and political activist. In fact, her life was a constant adventure within the alternative and experimental worlds of science fiction, left politics, and Canadian literature.

Better to Have Loved is illustrated with original art works, covers from classic science fiction magazines, period illustrations, and striking photography.

The late Judith Merril is considered one of the most prolific authors and editors in the field of Science Fiction. Born in New York in 1923, she founded the Futurians, a group of SF writers and editors. Her first SF story, “That Only a Mother,” was published in 1948. Judith edited numerous SF anthologies including Dell's Year's Best SF from 1956-1967, and was the “Books” columnist for The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction from 1965-69.

Judith Merril's profile page

Emily Pohl-Weary is an award-winning author and creative writing instructor at the University of British Columbia. Her audio play, The Witch's Circle, was recently produced by Odyssey Theatre. Her books include the YA novel Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl, Ghost Sick (winner of the Fred Cogswell Award for Excellence in Poetry), and Better to Have Loved: The Life of Judith Merril (winner of a Hugo Award). Originally from Toronto, she now lives in Vancouver.

Emily Pohl-Weary's profile page

• Winner, Hugo Award
• Short-listed, Toronto Book Awards

Without Judith Merril, neither science fiction nor Canadian science fiction nor Canadian literature nor the world at large would exist in their present form.Better to Have Loved is essential reading for anyone who's interested in How Science Fcition Got That Way. In turning a jumbled heap of bright shards into this amazing book, Emily Pohl-Weary has accomplished a task I secretly thought impossible.

Spider Robinson, author of The Free Lunch

Judith Merril was not only a vital member of the literary community, but a vital person, in the largest sense of that word. She lived her times and places thoroughly, and enriched us all.

Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Blind Assassin

I loved Judy…I didn't care a fig about her taste, but I loved her effect. She was an extraordinary catalyst, a perfect editor.

Michael Moorcock, author of Gloriana and The Condition of Muzak

The strongest woman in a genre for the most part created by timid and weak men.

J.G. Ballard, author of Crash and Empire of the Sun