This Week on 'Beyond the Edge' Radio: Halloween Expert Lesley Pratt Bannatyne

Lesley Pratt Bannatyne is an American author; considered by many as the foremost authority on Halloween. Lesley writes extensively on Halloween, its history, literature, and contemporary celebration. She has contributed the World Book Encyclopedia entry for Halloween.

Bannatyne has shared her knowledge on television specials for Nickelodeon and the History Channel ("The Haunted History of Halloween," "The Real Story of Halloween"), with Time Magazine, Slate, National Geographic, and has given talks at venues as diverse as the 2000 Halloween Convergence in New Orleans and the St. Louis Art Museum. She contributed the Halloween article to World Book Encyclopedia. Most recently, she, with many compatriots, held the Guinness World Record for "Largest Halloween Gathering," from October 2007-09.

Bannatyne is also a freelance journalist who’s covered stories ranging from druids in Somerville, Massachusetts to relief workers in Bolivia. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Wheaton College in Massachusetts with a bachelor’s degree in English.


Lesley has written five book on Halloween ranging from a children's book, Witches Night Before Halloween, to her latest book Halloween Nation which shows the holiday through the eyes of its celebrants. Lesley's website is www.Iskullhalloween.com. So tune in this week for a few tricks and lots of treats as we take a look at Eric's favorite holiday Halloween and we welcome Lesley Pratt Bannatyne to the show!


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