Some of the most beloved names in science fiction spin all-new tales of interstellar adventure and wonder Neal Asher John Barnes Cory Doctorow John Kessel Jay Lake John Meaney Elizabeth Moon Garth Nix Mike Resnick Justina Robson Kristine Kathryn Rusch John Scalzi Bruce Sterling Peter Watts Sean Williams Tad Williams Bill Willingham Robert Charles Wilson John C. Wright

One of the few points critics and readers can agree upon when discussing the fiction popularly known as New Space Opera – a recent subgenre movement of science fiction – is its canny engagement with contemporary cultural politics in the age of globalisation. This book avers that the complex political allegories of New Space Opera respond to the recent cultural phenomenon known as neoliberalism, which entails the championing of the deregulation and privatisation of social services and programmes in the service of global free-market expansion. Providing close readings of the evolving New Space Opera canon and cultural histories and theoretical contexts of neoliberalism as a regnant ideology of our times, this book conceptualises a means to appreciate this thriving movement of popular literature.

“Dynamic and exciting, THE NEW SPACE OPERA is...an essential roadmap to the cutting edge of SF today...” — Charles Stross “One of the best anthologies ever assembled by this most prolific of science fiction editors....” — Joe Haldeman “Highly recommended!” — Greg Bear “...Dozois and Strahan bring together some of the finest writers in the field...” — Vernor Vinge “This anthology is a reminder of why science fiction captured the hearts and minds of generations of generations of readers.” — Orson Scott Card “In sheer breathtaking, mind-expanding scope, this collection ... delivers hours of exhilarating reading.” — Booklist

2019 HUGO AWARD FINALIST, BEST NOVEL The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy meets the joy and glamour of Eurovision in bestselling author Catherynne M. Valente's science fiction spectacle, where sentient races compete for glory in a galactic musical contest…and the stakes are as high as the fate of planet Earth. A century ago, the Sentience Wars tore the galaxy apart and nearly ended the entire concept of intelligent space-faring life. In the aftermath, a curious tradition was invented—something to cheer up everyone who was left and bring the shattered worlds together in the spirit of peace, unity, and understanding. Once every cycle, the great galactic civilizations gather for the Metagalactic Grand Prix—part gladiatorial contest, part beauty pageant, part concert extravaganza, and part continuation of the wars of the past. Species far and wide compete in feats of song, dance and/or whatever facsimile of these can be performed by various creatures who may or may not possess, in the traditional sense, feet, mouths, larynxes, or faces. And if a new species should wish to be counted among the high and the mighty, if a new planet has produced some savage group of animals, machines, or algae that claim to be, against all odds, sentient? Well, then they will have to compete. And if they fail? Sudden extermination for their entire species. This year, though, humankind has discovered the enormous universe. And while they expected to discover a grand drama of diplomacy, gunships, wormholes, and stoic councils of aliens, they have instead found glitter, lipstick, and electric guitars. Mankind will not get to fight for its destiny—they must sing. Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes have been chosen to represent their planet on the greatest stage in the galaxy. And the fate of Earth lies in their ability to rock.

The best-ever anthology of one of science fiction's most vigorous subgenres

Some of the most beloved names in science fiction spin all-new tales of interstellar adventure and wonder Neal Asher John Barnes Cory Doctorow John Kessel Jay Lake John Meaney Elizabeth Moon Garth Nix Mike Resnick Justina Robson Kristine Kathryn Rusch John Scalzi Bruce Sterling Peter Watts Sean Williams Tad Williams Bill Willingham Robert Charles Wilson John C. Wright