The book “DÄMONEN. Besessenheit und Exorzismus in der Geschichte Österreichs” by Carlos Watzka (SFU) et al. was voted Science Book of the Year 2025 in the Humanities/Social Sciences/Cultural Studies category. The prestigious award annually recognises scientific publications that make complex topics accessible to a broad audience in Austria.
Congratulations on this outstanding success!
The award ceremony will take place on 17 March 2025 at 19:00 in the Aula der Wissenschaften, Wollzeile 27a, 1010 Vienna. Please register in advance, admission is free.
About the book
The ritual exorcism of demons from people (supposedly) possessed by the devil has a long history in Austria. Nicole Bauer, Gerhard 
Ammerer and Carlos Watzka have analysed the history of exorcism in “DÄMONEN. Besessenheit und Exorzismus in der Geschichte Österreichs” (Pustet Verlag) and compiled the first comprehensive overview of the topic. The book e.g. includes an interview with a practising Styrian exorcist who provides first-hand information. Read more…
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