WHO IS THE
KRAMPUS...
In nineteenth-century Germany, legend had it that those who were pure of heart bore witness to the magic of Chrismas Eve. Some saw rivers turn to wine. Others heard animals speak. Mountains supposedly opened, revealing precious gems deep within. Church bells clanged from the depths of an icy Baltic sea, and barren trees bloomed, bearing fruit on this cold December night. Earlier that month, on St. Nikolaus Day, children of goodwill sprang from their beds and rushed to the empty shoe they’d placed outside the night before. Inside, they’d discover small gifts and treats left for them by St. Nikolaus, and joy would fill the air. Disobedient children, however, awoke to the shakes and the shivers. In their shoes awaited switches, with which their parents would spank them. Or worse yet, they’d be paid a visit by the Krampus. In European folklore, the Krampus is Nikolaus’s dark servant—a hairy, horned, supernatural beast whose pointed ears and long, slithering tongue gave misbehavers the creeps! The Krampus terrorized the bad until they promised to be good. Some he spanked. Others he whipped. And some he shackled, stuffed into his large wooden basket and carted away, then hurled into the flames of Hell! Such scenarios were delineated by skilled and imaginative Old World craftsmen, printed on penny postcards and disseminated throughout Europe. The rare examples featured in Last Gasp’s line of Krampus products are, perhaps, the best history has left to offer. — Monte Beauchamp; Krampus. The Devil of Christmas
In the clutch of the Krampus, even the most unruly child would spew forth a promise to turn from their wicked ways. Two popular phrases featured on Krampus cards were “Gruss Vom Krampus” (Greetings from Krampus) and “Brav Sein” (Be Good). Senders also dashed out their own messages. One such card, mailed on December 6, 1905, sported the following note: “For a wicked child.” Though never a part of American culture, postcards featuring Krampus were savored, swapped, and collected, much like bubble gum cards.
The image of St. Nikolaus as a twinkle-eyed, rotund, jolly old sort coursing over snow-covered treetops in a sleigh full of toys drawn by eight tiny flying reindeer was never a part of the original European tradition. That portrayal originated in America, entrenching itself during the first quarter of the nineteenth century. As outlandish and depraved as the the winter festival, Krampuslauf, may seem to an outsider, it serves as a friendly reminder to all who attend to act kind and mannerly, and be charitable toward one another in the year that lies ahead.
Krampus: The Devil of Christmas
by Monte Beauchamp “...an arresting terror!”— Rick Kogan; Chicago Tribune Magazine With an additional 32 pages, superior printing, and a secure hardcover binding, KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas picks up where the softcover edition of The Devil in Design leaves off. This new and improved, full-color edition includes an introduction, a historical survey of the character, and over 180 lavish pre-WWI Krampus postcards. KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas is a lush, hair-raising collection guaranteed to give even Stephen King the creeps! ISBN 978-0-86719-747-1 Art/Design $18.95/Hardcover 200 Pages 180 Color Images 5-1/2" x 8" Individual Orders: 1-800-848-4277 Wholesale Orders: 1-800-366-5121
Krampus Greeting Cards
by Monte Beauchamp 20 Vintage Devilish Greeting Cards Packaged in a Deluxe Metal Tin. This collection of vintage Krampus images includes 20 cards — two each of 10 different designs. The pre-WWI images are selected from the extensive collection of award-winning art director Monte Beauchamp. Krampus Greeting Cards are the perfect gift for a naughty friend or for yourself. The 20-card set comes with 21 red mailing envelopes and is packaged inside a beautiful, full-color metal tin decorated with a striking image of the Krampus. ISBN 978-0-86719-778-5 Gift/Art $19.95/Cards 20 cards featuring 10 different designs, 21 envelopes, packaged in a metal tin 5" x 7" Individual Orders: 1-800-848-4277 Wholesale Orders: 1-800-366-5121
Krampus Playing Cards by Monte Beauchamp Play poker with the Devil of Christmas
A deck of playing cards featuring 52 different Krampus images. Highquality printing and lamination. The images are reproduced from vintage, pre-WWI Krampus postcards. In the early Christmas traditions of Europe, the Krampus was St. Nikolaus’ dark servant—a hairy, horned, supernatural beast whose pointed ears and long, slithering tongue gave misbehavers the creeps! At Christmastime, St. Nicholas rewards children who’ve been good all year—but those who have behaved badly are visited by the Krampus! ISBN 978-0-86719-792-1 Gift/Art $6.95/Cards 108 Pages 52 playing cards plus joker full color, front and back 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" Individual Orders: 1-800-848-4277 Wholesale Orders: 1-800-366-5121
Krampus Sticker Book
by Monte Beauchamp 72 Reusable Stickers for Naughty Girls and Boys of All Ages A large-format sticker book full of Krampus stickers. Seventy-two removable stickers to delight good children and frighten the bad ones. The images are reproduced from vintage, pre-WWI Krampus postcards. In the early Christmas traditions of Europe, the Krampus was St. Nikolaus’ dark servant—a hairy, horned, supernatural beast whose pointed ears and long, slithering tongue gave misbehavers the creeps! At Christmastime, St. Nicholas rewards children who’ve been good all year—but those who have behaved badly are paid a visit by the Krampus! ISBN 978-0-86719-791-4 Art/Gift $9.95/Paper 16 Pages 8 pages of stickers/8 blank pages 72 full color images 8-1/2" x 11" Individual Orders: 1-800-848-4277 Wholesale Orders: 1-800-366-5121
“…an arresting terror!” —Rick Kogan; Chicago Tribune Magazine
www.lastgasp.com Design: Design: Monte Monte Beauchamp Beauchamp