SF Masterworks

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SF Masterworks
SF Masterworks collection.jpg
A bookshelf containing every published SF Masterworks title, as of August 2025

CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Genre Science fiction
Publisher
Published1999–present
Media typePrint
No. of books
  • 83 numbered vols.
  • 196 relaunch vols.
Website store.gollancz.co.uk

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 UK 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.

Contents

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.

Numbered series

Softcover editions (1999–2007)

Not all printings include a number stamp. Popular volumes were reprinted with new cover designs during the series run.

  • † Hardcover editions only.
  • ^ No relaunch edition as of October 2025.

Hardcover editions (2001)

Not all printings include a volume number stamp.

Relaunch series

A selection of titles from the series on display at a London bookshop. SF Masterworks table display at London bookshop, May 2017.jpg
A selection of titles from the series on display at a London bookshop.

Softcover editions (2010–present)

Series features yellow–white spines, SF Masterworks marquee printed vertically atop tinted artwork, and newly typeset text. In 2010, several volumes of the numbered series were released with new cover art. [3]

Hardcover editions (2010–2017)

Volumes may not indicate they are part of a series.

Forthcoming editions

Announced editions:

Unpublished softcover editions

The following editions were announced, but appear to have been withdrawn:

Rounded-corner editions (2006)

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

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.

Best of the Masterworks (2022–23)

Softcover volumes

Hardcover volumes

See also

References