Notes on 'Hyperion' (1989) by Dan Simmons (b. 1948)
Hyperion is the first work in Dan Simmons’ Hyperion Cantos (1989-97) series, generally considered the most important work of postmodern space opera. Together with Bruce Sterling, Iain M. Banks and David Zindell, Simmons belongs to the generation of critically acclaimed sf writers who from the mid-1980s onwards brought space opera back on the map. With its playful, self-conscious and appropriating style, Hyperion represents a high point in literary sf. Hyperion won the Hugo Best Novel award (1990) and the Locus Best SF Novel award (1990).