University of Utah English professor, specializing in Urban Legends. Chronicled the ubiquitous oral stories that people tell about a "friend of a friend" (or foaf). Dr. Brunvand's publications:

  • The Vanishing Hitchhiker: American Urban Legends & Their Meanings (1981)
  • The Choking Doberman & Other "New" Urban Legends (1984)
  • The Mexican Pet: More "New" Urban Legends & Some Old Favorites (1986)
  • Curses! Broiled Again!, the Hottest Urban Legends Going (1989)
  • The Baby Train: And Other Lusty Urban Legends (1993) The Study of American Folklore, 4th edn. 1998
  • Too Good to be True: The Colossal Book of Urban Legends< (1999)
  • The Truth Never Stands in the Way of a Good Story (2000)