Book excerpt: Initiated in 1997 and now in its eighth installment, John Zorn's acclaimed Arcana series is a major source of new music theory and practice in the 21st century. This special anniversary edition presents writings spanning classical music, jazz, rock, improvisation, world music, film soundtracks and more by exciting young artists, established masters and visionary mavericks, including Jad Atoui, Steve Beresford, Per Bloland, Brian Chase, Kris Davis, Robert Dick, Rinde Eckert, Wendy Eisenberg, Harris Eisenstadt, Suzanne Farrin, Dave Fiuczynski, David Garland, Michael Gordon, Simon Hanes, Barbara Hannigan, John Hollenbeck, Matt Hollenberg, Jon Irabagon, Julian Lage, Ava Mendoza, Matt Mitchell, Nicole Mitchell, Vadim Neselovskyi, Linda May Han Oh, Shane Parish, Chris Pitsiokos, Sofia Rei, Ted Reichman, Sara Serpa, Marc Urselli, Ken Vandermark and Dan Weiss.