Holomorphic vertex operator algebras of small central charge

We provide a rigorous mathematical foundation to the study of strongly rational, holomorphic vertex operator algebras V of central charge c = 8, 16 and 24 initiated by Schellekens. If c = 8 or 16 we show that V is isomorphic to a lattice theory corresponding to a rank c even, self-dual lattice. If c = 24 we prove, among other things, that either V is isomorphic to a lattice theory corresponding to a Niemeier lattice or the Leech lattice, or else the Lie algebra on the weight one subspace V 1 is semisimple (possibly 0) of Lie rank less than 24.