Founded in 1986 by Cecile Engel and Lori Milken, Delphinium Books is committed to publishing original, important voices, be it fiction or non-fiction, in contemporary society. Our purpose is to recognize excellence in writing, and thereby bring it to public attention. The publishing house's first effort, Delphinium Blossoms, an anthology featuring a broad array of authors, from E.L. Doctorow, Grace Paley and Russell Banks to numerous first-time writers, established Delphinium's reputation as a home for quality writing. Major book reviews and support from booksellers and librarians have contributed to Delphinium's growth and distinction. Its unique distribution relationship with Harper Collins allows for editorial autonomy paired with the resources of one of the globe's leading trade publishing houses. Delphinium's hardcover list has attracted the attention of the major paperback publishing houses. Sales of paperback rights to Ballantine, Penguin and Houghton Mifflin attest to the industry's interest in the writing of such authors as Alison Lurie, Bina Shah, Richard Rashke, Helen Yglesias, and the internationally renowned novelist Francesca Duranti. Delphinium is especially proud of the critical acclaim accorded to Rosina Lippi's Homestead, winner of the 1999 PEN/Hemingway award for best first fiction. With its mandate to provide a rich venue for exemplary writers of our generation, Delphinium proudly offers its readers the best in quality literature.