Literature Atlas

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Theme
Genre

Urban Fantasy

Speculative and Fantastic Fiction

Urban fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that places supernatural elements in a contemporary urban setting. The combination gives the writer a platform for classic fantasy tropes, quixotic plot elements and unusual characters without requiring the creation of an entire imaginary world.

Facts
Place of Origin
North America, where the genre's current publishing popularity began in the 1980s. 1
Notable Example
Stephen King and Anne Rice, whose 1980s success encouraged the genre's rise in publishing. 1
Defining Trait
Combines imaginary or unrealistic elements of plot, character, theme or setting with a largely familiar, typically urban, world. 1
Connections

Form Of Genre

Fantasy, Genres
Sources
1. Urban Fantasy (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
Quote, Lead section
The genre's current publishing popularity began in 1980s North America, as writers and publishers were encouraged by the success of Stephen King and Anne Rice.
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