Krampus, Witches, and the Wild Hunt

Christian Brunner has studied shamanic practices for more than forty years and naturopathic methods for almost thirty. These experiences encouraged his deep fascination for the Alpine lore and traditions in his native Austria. He is the author of Alpine Witchery; Krampus, Witches & the Wild Hunt; Mountain Magic; and several articles for druid order journals, such as Touchstone, Druidenstein, and Trilithon. He is also a druid in the Order of Bard, Ovates & Druids. Visit him at ChristianBrunner.com. Sophie Reyer is a professor at the Academy of Pedagogy in Baden, Austria where she does research on mythological creatures and lectures at the Academy of Applied Arts in Vienna. She holds a Master of Arts and earned a Doctorate in Philosophy. She has written 20 theatre scripts and 148 prize-winning books. Visit her at SophieReyer.com. Wolfgang Liemberger first studied medicine and then switched to journalism. He studied directing and screenwriting at the Vienna Film School, and he worked as a tutor at the Institute of Journalism at the University of Vienna. There, he worked on film productions as a screenwriter and director as well as in other functions. Wolfgang has produced, directed, acted in, and done videography for several film productions.

This is literally a folkloric feast, straight from Europe's highest, most romantic, and most story-laden mountains. It manages to mix exciting folklore, practical seasonal ritual and magic, and delicious local food recipes, in equally generous quantity the perfect gift for the Dark of the Year, anywhere in the world that looks to European roots. Ronald Hutton, author and historian. For the last century or so, we have painted over our fear of the colder months with songs and stories of mistletoe and holly; with tidings of love and good cheer. But no matter what facade we slap over winter, what has always lurked within the frigid darkness are monsters, witches, and ghosts haunting and hunting us when we're most vulnerable. Thankfully, these beasts are making a yuletide comeback because we need them now more than ever. In Krampus, Witches, and the Wild Hunt, three Austrians hailing from the land of Krampus bring their unique perspectives and expertise in this entertaining guide to the legends and lore of dark seasons long, long ago. You may want to leave the lights on this winter. Jeff Belanger, author of The Fright Before Christmas: Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters