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March 23, 2015 | Kim | Comments (0)
Seeds of Wonder, Seeds of Hope, an exhibit celebrating Black writers of science fiction and fantasy is finishing it's run at the Merril Collection, and the last day of the exhibit will be Friday, April 4, 2015.
Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy, Lillian Smith Branch
239 College Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario
February 4, 2015 | Kim | Comments (2)
Horst Cabal has returned! The world’s most amiable vampire was last seen disappearing in a suicidal puff of dust as he stepped into the sunlight, but he has been brought back from the dead by a group of diabolical conspirators bent on taking over the world (as they usually are). Unbeknownst to the conspirators, who require a “Lord of the Dead” for their nefarious plan, Horst has never actually killed anyone, and is far more concerned with the fit of his waistcoat than world domination.
January 14, 2015 | Kim | Comments (1)
Join us in exploring the rich history of science fiction and fantasy by authors from African nations and countries of the African diaspora, including the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.
Speculative fiction by Black authors, or AfroFuturism, as it is increasingly called by its writers, is undergoing an explosive growth period, as is the case generally with speculative fiction. The writers themselves come from many countries, and varied backgrounds; some are professional writers, many are academics, and some worked in humble occupations while writing as a labour of love. AfroFuturism tends to be about social problems; oppression, racism, classism and relationships between people.
December 19, 2014 | Annette | Comments (0)
If you haven't yet seen the Merril Collection of Science Fiction's exhibit commemorating World War One, hurry in before the end of December!
2014 marked the one hundredth anniversary of World War One, (1914-1919), a battle which was intended "to end all wars" and bring world peace. Sadly, war continues to plague our planet. Is there a solution? Science fiction writers have wrestled with this question for decades.
Our exhibit, The War To End All Wars, features rare 19th century examples of future war fiction, alternate history fantasies, contemporary illlustrated graphic novels, and everything in between. From H. G. Wells' airships to armies of the undead, science fiction and fantasy explore the horrors of war, the fearful spectre of nuclear destruction, and the dream of a peaceful future for humankind.
The War To End All Wars: SF Remembers WWI is on display in the Merril Collection, on the third floor of the Lillian H. Smith building, until December 31, 2014.
December 15, 2014 | Lorna | Comments (0)
Toronto author and co-editor Eric Choi will moderate an evening spent with the local contributors to Carbide Tipped Pens, a new science fiction anthology. Authors Kate Story, David DeGraff, and Eric Choi will read brief sections from their stories in the anthology, followed by a question and answer session, and a signing. Books will be available for purchase at the event. The event will take place in the Merril Collection of Science Fiction and Fantasy, 3rd floor reading room in the Lillian Smith branch, 239 College Street, starting at 7PM.
https://www.facebook.com/events/310104369192226/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
November 11, 2014 | Lorna | Comments (0)
Fantasy author Robin Hobb will appear at the Merril Collection in the 3rd floor reading room of the Lillian H. Smith branch on Thursday, November 13 at 7PM. She will be discussing her writing and her new book, Fool's Assassin.
Her new novel chronicles the continuing adventures of FitzChivalry Farseer, which began in Assassin's Apprentice, six books earlier. In this volume, the first of a new trilogy, FitzChivalry is retired, married to a childhood sweetheart, and living in the country when his next adventure begins.
October 29, 2014 | Kim | Comments (0)
Fans of military science fiction can rejoice; there's a new writer joining the ranks of David Weber and Elizabeth Moon.
Fortune's Pawn introduces us to Deviana (Devi) Morris, a mercenary from the planet Paradox. The only things preventing Devi from tipping over from the huge chip on her shoulder are her lovingly described battle suit, which she has named the Lady Grey, and her outstanding combat skills.
Devi takes a job on a decrepit tramp freighter, but begins to wonder what exactly is going on; nothing is what it seems to be, not the ship, and certainly not the crew. The second novel, Honor's Knight reveals the truth behind the mysteries, and introduces some additional twists and the third; Heaven's Queen wraps up the invigorating action in a satisfying conclusion.
The writing is tight, the action never lags and the characters are engaging. The darkness of some of themes is lightened by Bach's dry sense of humour.
September 27, 2014 | Lorna | Comments (2)
Diversity in Science Fiction and Fantasy will be a roundtable discussion moderated by Léonicka Valcius, with panelists Charlotte Ashley, Leah Bobet, E.L. Chen, Malon Edwards, and Tonya Liburdis. The panel will offer a wide-ranging discussion about diversity in the Canadian and North American lit and spec fic fields, their various forms, what works, what doesn't, and wherever else the discussion goes from there.
The event will take place Saturday, the 27th of September, at 7:00 pm, in the basement auditorium of the Lillian H. Smith branch. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Merril Collection. The event is free.
September 5, 2014 | Lorna | Comments (0)
Long Hidden: Speculative fiction from the margins of history offers short fiction giving a voice to the silent spear carriers of history, letting the people who are supposed to suffer in silence speak out. "The Oud" by Thoraiya Dyer and "It's War" by Nnedi Okorafor reveal the personal pain and cultural devastation caused by military actions. Standout stories include "Ogres of East Africa" by Sofia Samatar and "Diyu" by Robert William Iveniuk. The short stories show people in a wide range of different cultures coming to grips with their problems and resolving them as best they can, providing an absorbing view of history from the other side of the mirror.
August 19, 2014 | Kim | Comments (1)
A new exhibit at the Merril Collection celebrates the rich and dark history of creepy clowns, sinister sideshows, and alien extravaganzas. Science fiction and horror writers have known for a long time that circuses, not idle hands, are the devil's playground.
The exhibit features some unusual and beautiful books, such as early editions of The Circus of Dr. Lao by Charles Finney and a variety of Ray Bradbury's circus-themed fiction.
Not for the faint of heart; explore the dark side of the circus, if you dare …
