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SF Masterworks

Series of science fiction novel reprints From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

SF Masterworks
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SF Masterworks is a series of science fiction novel reprints published by UK-based company Orion Publishing Group, a subsidiary of Hachette UK. The series is intended for the United Kingdom and Australian markets, but many editions are distributed to the United States and Canada by Hachette Book Group. As of July 2025, there are 198 unique titles in the series, 196 of which have been printed in the relaunched series. The 200th SF Masterwork is scheduled for publication in 2026. Approximately 308 volumes, including hardcover, revised, or reprinted editions, have been published in total.

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Superseding the earlier series Gollancz Classic SF (1986–1987) and VGSF Classics (1988–1990),[1] the SF Masterworks series began publication in 1999. Developed to feature important and out of print science fiction novels, the selections were described by science fiction author Iain M. Banks as "amazing" and "genuinely the best novels from sixty years of SF".[2] Many of the selections had been out of print in the United Kingdom for many years.

Its companion series include Fantasy Masterworks and Gateway Essentials.

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Numbered series

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Softcover editions (1999–2007)

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  • ‡ Hardcover editions only. Orion Publishing did not have the rights to paperback editions.
  • * Some printings do not include a number stamp, or the incorrect number stamp appears on the cover.

Hardcover editions (2001)

Not all printings include a volume number stamp. Printings distributed to the United States do not include any markings to indicate they are part of a series.

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Relaunch series

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A selection of titles from the series on display at a London bookshop.

Softcover editions (2010–present)

The new designs sport yellow/white spines, with the SF Masterworks logo written vertically on the cover. The original 10 numbered titles were re-issued first. For titles that were previously issued in the original series, generally the cover artwork is tinted in a different colour from the original version. For example, The Dispossessed cover artwork is primarily red in the original release, and was tinted green when reprinted as part of the relaunch.

Only two titles from the numbered series have not yet been reprinted in the relaunch series: The Drowned World and Now Wait for Last Year. These were also the only entries missing from the "Complete List" of titles published by Gollancz in 2016.[3]

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‡ Reprinted version of a title from the numbered series

Hardcover editions (2010–2017)

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  • ‡ Reprinted version of a title from the numbered series
  • § Later reprinted in a paperback edition

Forthcoming

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Unpublished softcover editions

The following editions were announced, but appear to have been withdrawn:

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Best of the Masterworks

Softcover (2022–23)

Hardcover (2022–23)

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Gollancz 50th Anniversary (2011)

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gollancz imprint, Orion published ten fan-chosen editions. Each novel featured Gollancz's red-on-yellow cover design. The series was initially marketed as part the SF Masterworks series.

Golden Age Masterworks (2019–present)

Initially marketed as part the SF Masterworks series.

Rounded-corner paperbacks (2006)

A special edition collection with matte, non-glossy covers, rounded corners and minimalist cover art by Marc Adams.

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See also

References

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