From "editor extraordinaire" (Publishers Weekly) David G. Hartwell and World Fantasy Award-winning editor Kathryn Cramer comes the best-ever anthology of one of science fiction's most vigorous subgenres: the space opera."Space opera", once a derisive term for cheap pulp adventure, has come to mean something more in modern SF: compelling adventure stories told against a broad canvas, and written to the highest level of skill. Indeed, it can be argued that the "new space opera" is one of the defining streams of modern SF.Now, World Fantasy Award-winning anthologists David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer have compiled a definitive overview of this subgenre, both as it was in the days of the pulp magazines, and as it has become in the 2000s. Included are major works from genre progenitors, popular favorites, and modern-day pioneers.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Introduction: How Shit Became Shinola: Definition and Redefinition of Space OperaI. Redefined WritersEdmond Hamilton: The Star StealersJack Williamson: The Prince of SpaceLeigh Brackett: Enchantress of VenusClive Jackson: The Swordsman of VarnisII. Draftees (1960s)Cordwainer Smith: The Game of Rat & DragonSamuel R. Delany: Empire StarRobert Sheckley: Zirn Left Unguarded, the Jenjik Palace in Flames, Jon Westerly DeadIII. Transitions/Redefiners (late 1970s to late 1980s)David Brin: TemptationDavid Drake: Ranks of BronzeLois McMaster Bujold: WeathermanIain M. Banks: A Gift from the CultureIV. Volunteers: Revisionaries (early 90s)Dan Simmons: Orphans of the HelixColin Greenland: The Well WishersPeter Hamilton: Escape RouteDavid Weber: Ms Midshipwoman HarringtonCatherine Asaro: Aurora in Four VoicesR. Garcia y Robertson: Ring RatsAllen Steele: The Death of Captain FutureV. Mixed Signals/Mixed Categories (to the late 1990s)Gregory Benford: A Worm in the WellDonald Kingsbury: The SurvivorSarah Zettel: Fools ErrandUrsula K. Le Guin: The Shobies StoryRobert Reed: The RemorasPaul McAuley: Recording AngelSteven Baxter: The Great GameMichael Moorcock: Lost Sorceress of the Silent CitadelMichael Kandel: Space OperaVI. Next Wave/21st CenturyTony Daniel: GristScott Westerfeld: The Movements of her EyesAlastair Reynolds: Spirey and the QueenCharles Stross: Bear TrapJohn Wright: Guest Law