The author, Diana Wynne Jones, says:

There are thousands of worlds, all different from ours. Chrestomanci's world is the one next door to us, and the difference here is that magic is as common as music is with us. It is full of people working magic...from the lowest Certified Witch right up to the most powerful of enchanters. Enchanters are strange as well as powerful. Their magic is different and stronger, and many of them have more than one life.

Now, if someone did not control all these busy magic-users, ordinary people would have a horrible time and probably end up as slaves. So the government appoints the very strongest enchanter there is to make sure no one misuses magic. This enchanter has nine lives, and is known as "the Chrestomanci."

Christopher is the ninth Chrestomanci, and the figure which the series revolves around. Mischievous, strong-willed, shrewd, and with a penchant for firepower, Chris is a force to be reckoned with, even when at his most kind.

He is featured most prominently in The Lives of Christopher Chant, though he can be found throughout the other novels. He has been portrayed as a bratty, rebellious teenager, a stern but caring government official, and a cunning strategist in times of war. Flamboyant dressing gowns, razor-edged quips, and a devotion to duty all shine through with Christopher, and he remains one of my favorite childhood literary figures.

fanlisting
A fanlisting is a place for all fans of a particular show, comic, movie, character, actor, etc. to come together and build the biggest listing of people from around the world who are interested in the subject. The master list of all fanlistings can be found at thefanlistings.org.

x | the firestarter