Driftless Spirits: Ghosts of Southwest Wisconsin

This is the first of two books about Wisconsin ghost legends written by this outstanding folklorist and author. I have to say that this and his "Northern Frights" are two of my favorite non-fiction books out there. It's not just a dusty collection of old spook-tales attached to lonely places, this is a volume of living legends. Mr. Boyer writes from a personal perspective, he amusingly recounts how he collected each tale and his own impressions of the place, the tale and the teller. You follow along with him as he travels through the driftless area of Wisconsin finding unique characters and listening to the stories they have to tell. Whether it be fearsome ghosts on horseback frightening motorists off the road or the eerie sound of a disembodied polka band, the spirits he encounters are the living spirits of this state, colorful and rich in culture and history. I recommend this book to anyone interested in Wisconsin folklore, ghost stories and culture.

This author always has a lot to say in a very creative way. The book is no exception. A fun read and another great book from this seasoned folklorist.