Hausgeister!: Household Spirits of German Folklore

his book is a unique and quite astounding collection of folklore from Germany regarding hausgeister, the household spirits who have shared the homes and dwellings of Germans from medieval times to the present. Using texts dating back to the 16th century, the authors examine the various spirits who are mostly, but not all, helpful and protective. From the Kobold, which can also be a poltergeist, to the Drak, a flying spirit that is similar to a dragon, to the Mandrake, or Geldmännlein, the authors delve deep into the history of these creatures with extensive details and investigation.

Part coffee table book and part research thesis, the book features photographs of artist and author Florian Schafer’s figurines. The creatures are show more eye-catching and even a bit scary. One of the last chapters features Schafer’s mythatelier, or workshop where he creates these amazing dolls.

The in-depth details are definitely geared to adults; even teens may find getting into the book challenging. The dolls would probably scare most young children and potentially give them nightmares. Overall, Hausgeister! is a wonderful, one-of-a-kind book about a thoroughly fascinating topic, but it is not for children. show less