"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy."- William Blake

Al Ridenour, creator and host of the popular Bone & Sickle Podcast brings readers backto pagan Europe in ASeason of Madness. The book follows the sun from the darkest winternights to the promise of nature's rebirth as symbolized by Spring. Ridenour explores thehistory and customs of the Old-World Carnival, focusing on European regions wherecelebrations have gone unchanged for centuries and reflect the brutal realities of theold, agricultural world.

A Season of Madnesstakes readers to cultural hinterlands where Carnival is more strange,more marvelous, and even a bit frightening. Where Spring is welcomed by clownscarrying inflated pig bladders and sheepskin monsters walk the land with clubs coveredin hedgehog spines and plows are dragged over cobblestone streets by villagers inmasks painted with blood. Folk horror fans take heart as the old world beckons with thecoming of Spring!

Readers will learn about regional and local celebrations' origins, history, and quirkinessfrom ancient Rome to modern Bulgaria.Season of Madnessexplores theinterconnectivity of pagan beliefs throughout Europe and how those beliefs andtraditions evolved over time and through the Christian conquest.

A Season of Madnessis sumptuously illustrated with over one hundred historical and modernimages and illustrations in this deluxe paperback edition.

Ridenour's first book,Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of theFolkloric Devil(2018) is considered by critics the definitive authority on pagan winter celebrations. Aside from his books and podcast, Ridenour is a sought-after expert and lecturer.