Publication Date: 1990-present
About the books:
Set in the fictional semi-Canadian/semi-American town of Newford, this group of books and short
stories by author Charles De Lint will appeal to any fan of
urban fantasy*.
De Lint's work is known for combining Native American and Celtic folktales and beliefs into a
rich, original tapestry of his own. His characters are often creative people such as artists and
musicians or street urchins and free spirits living life through their own perspectives.
Though each story easily stands alone, the characters continually reoccur and deepen with each
appearance. Some regular characters in these stories include Jilly Coppercorn, Grasso Street's
Angel, Bones, the Crow Girls, and the Riddell Brothers.
The WriterGroupie suggests starting with a short story collection like "Moonlight and Vines"
to get a feel for the setting and characters of Newford.
Personal:
The WriterGroupie fell in love with
Charles De Lint's books when she first discovered them back in the late 1980's. As most of
his recent works are set in the town of Newford, the WriterGroupie, like many of his fans, has
come to know the streets and the people of that fictional city nearly as well as her own streets
and the people in her life. He imbues a continuing, living quality in both that are irresistible
to the WriterGroupie. De Lint is one of a small handful of
authors whose books the WriterGroupie buys in hardcover as soon as they are released. Her favorite
Newford character is Jilly Coppercorn.
* "Urban fantasy" comprises those stories set in the real world, but featuring fantastical elements
such as magic, elves, shape-shifters, etc.
Related Links:
Author Charles De Lint's Official Home Page
