Silvana De Mari is an acclaimed Italian author, born on 5 July 1953 in Caserta, Italy. She is widely recognized for her contributions to children's fiction, in particular her award-winning fantasy novel, L'ultimo Elfo (2004), known in English as The Last Elf in the UK and The Last Dragon in the US. This work has been published in English along with 18 other languages and has won several prestigious awards, including the Premio Bancarellino and Premio Andersen in Italy, and the Prix Imaginales in France in 2005.

De Mari's career also encompasses her work as a surgeon and psychotherapist, although she has been struck off in these professions. Despite her acclaim in literature, she is known in Italy for her controversial views, which have been described as homophobic, racist, anti-scientific, anti-vax, and sexist. Nevertheless, her books have made a significant impact on the global stage, making her the most internationally sold Italian author after Camilleri.