Charles de Lint is a Canadian writer, born on December 22, 1951. He is primarily known for his significant contributions to the genre of fantasy fiction, particularly in urban fantasy, contemporary magical realism, and mythic fiction. Alongside other notable authors like Terri Windling, Emma Bull, and John Crowley, de Lint was instrumental in popularizing the urban fantasy subgenre during the 1980s.

His body of work spans novels, novellas, short stories, poetry, and lyrics. Some of his most acclaimed works include the Newford series (such as Dreams Underfoot, Widdershins, The Blue Girl, and The Onion Girl), as well as standalone novels like Moonheart, The Mystery of Grace, The Painted Boy and A Circle of Cats, a children's book illustrated by Charles Vess. De Lint's distinctive style often incorporates elements of American and European folklore.

He has drawn inspiration from a wide array of authors, including J. R. R. Tolkien, Lord Dunsany, William Morris, Mervyn Peake, James Branch Cabell, and E. R. Eddison. In addition to his fiction work, de Lint is a respected essayist, critic, and folklorist. He has been a book reviewer for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction and has served as a writer-in-residence at public libraries.