Brunvand, Jan Harold

1933 - Born in Cadillac, Michigan of Norwegian immigrant parents and he was brought up in Lansing, Michigan

1955 - Attended Michigan State University and graduated this year earning his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism.

1956-1975 - He was a Fulbright Scholar in Norway from 1956 to 1957.

1957 - Graduated with a Master's Degree in English.

1958 - An article on his research of the "male Cinderella" figure called "Askeladden" in Norwegian fairy tales in the Journal of American Folklore was his first real professional publication.

1961 - Attended Indiana University for his Doctorate Degree in Folklore. His dissertation was The Taming of the Shrew Tale (Aarne-THompson Type 901) in Folklore and Literature.

1961-1965 - Taught at the University of Idaho.

1965-1966 - Taught at the Southern Illinois University.

1966 - Taught at the University of Utah from 1966 to 1996.

1970-1971 - He was given the Fulbright Research Grant in Romania and he was also a Guggenheim Fellow. He was also a Professor of English since 1971, specializing in Folklore.

1973-1974 - He was given the IREX Fellowships in Romania. He was also a Fellow of the American Folklore Society since 1974.

1976-1980 - Editor of American Folklore.

1980 - His first urban legend publication was an article based on a class lecture in Psychology Today on the month of June in this year.

1981 - His first urban legend publication insipried his firs book, The Vanishing Hitchhiker. He also received IREX Fellowship in Romania, this year.
 
1984 - A second book was published, The Choking Doberman.

1985 - Became the President of American Folklore Society.

1986 - Published the Mexican Pet this year.

1989 - Published Curses! Broiled Again!

1993 - Published The Baby Train.

1996 - At the age of 63, he retired on the month of June 1996.

1999 - Published Too Good to be True.

2000 - Published in 2000, is his book The Truth Never Stands in the Way of a Good Story.

2001 - The Encyclopedia of Urban Legends was published.

2003 - Published a book in 2003 entitled Casa Frumoasa: The House Beautiful in Rural Romania, a study of exterior decoration of peasant houses.