It was with a heavy heart that I read, in the July 30 New York Times, of Judith Appelbaum’s death on July 25 at the age of 78. At the same time I felt bathed by recalled fondness for the boost she gave The Permanent Press titles when we began publishing 38 years ago, while Judy served as the managing editor of Publishers Weekly.

Her dedication to advancing the cause of quality writing was was well summed up by her closing lines in an interview she gave in 1998:

   “I love to see writers expand our range of understanding, knowledge,  even happiness.  Publishing has always struck me as a way  to change the world.”

We’ve all lost a champion, too soon, too soon.

But her memory still lives on.

I’d welcome any of your comments to this posting and your recollections of this very special person.

Martin Shepard, co-publisher, The Permanent Press