Limit linear series: Basic theory (Q1079610)

In this important paper the authors study the relation of linear series on a stable curve C with \(Pic^ 0(C)\) compact and the linear series on nearby smooth curves. In papers which will appear soon, they apply their theory to many important topics (Kodaira dimension of \(M_ g\), existence and monodromy of Weierstrass points). For another application, see the reviewer, Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 97, 217-218 (1986; Zbl 0591.14020).