An Anthology Of Anthologies (Part One)

When I was much younger and just starting out reading SF, I used to buy a lot of anthologies from my local branch of Woolworths or the newsagent’s book carousel. I did this like everyone else – to learn which of the authors contained within would be best followed up on, there were always a few turkeys but this is where my passion for certain writers (and the genre as a whole) first developed.

As I’ve got older and more into collecting books, I’ve not picked up as many anthologies as in my formative years, mainly because I know what I like now. This still hasn’t stopped me from occasionally indulging in a purchase however! I always enjoyed the Judith Merril and the bizarrely named Groff Conklin edited books so they’ve become something I always keep an eye open for. Do I need to say that I’m also a sucker for a great cover? Thought not.

So, here is my first anthology of eight anthologies, all edited by either Judith Merril or Groff Conklin. A selection of books with eye-catching covers plucked from the shelves of my library for your enjoyment;

Beyond Human Ken edited by Judith Merril
1954 – Pennant Books
Cover art by Charles Binger

Enemies In Space edited by Groff Conklin
1964 – Digit
Cover artist uncredited

9th Annual S-F Edited By Judith Merril
1967 – Mayflower-Dell
Cover art by Hoot von Zitzewitz

13 Great Stories of Science Fiction edited by Groff Conklin
1964 – Gold Medal Books
Cover art by Richard Powers

The Best Of Sci-Fi 2 Edited By Judith Merril
1964 – Mayflower-Dell
Cover art by Richard Powers

Five-Odd Edited by Groff Conklin
1971 – Pyramid Books
Cover art by Ron Walotsky

SF The Best Of The Best Part One Edited By Judith Merril
1970 – Mayflower
Cover art by Josh Kirby

Minds Unleashed edited by Groff Conklin
1970 – Tempo Books/Grosset & Dunlap
Cover art possibly by Paul Lehr