Marge Piercy is an American progressive activist, feminist, and writer, born on March 31, 1936. Her celebrated works include Woman on the Edge of Time; He, She and It, which won the 1993 Arthur C. Clarke Award; and Gone to Soldiers, a New York Times Best Seller and a sweeping historical novel set during World War II.

Piercy's work is deeply rooted in her Jewish heritage, Marxist social and political activism, and feminist ideals. Born in Detroit, Michigan, to a family affected by the Great Depression, she was the first in her family to attend college, studying at the University of Michigan. She gained recognition for her work early on, winning a Hopwood Award for Poetry and Fiction, which enabled her to finish college and spend time in France.

Her early years were marked by health challenges, including rheumatic fever, which turned her into a voracious reader. Despite these challenges, she thrived academically and went on to earn an M.A. from Northwestern University.

Piercy's personal life was also characterized by her commitment to social causes. She was involved in the civil rights movement and was active in the women's movement. Her poetry and fiction often explore themes of political activism and women's experiences.

Piercy currently resides in Cape Cod, where she enjoys gardening and continues to write. She is married to Ira Wood, with whom she founded the Leapfrog Press, a small literary publishing company.