ABSTRACT
The multi-cultural monarchy was experiencing a sense of Weltuntergang after being reduced in 1918 to German-Austria. This was the atmosphere in which Viktor von Geramb sought to develop his career at the University of Graz between the wars. At the University of Prague a man named Adolf Hauffen had occupied a chair for German Volkskunde since 1919. A new and independent department for Volkskunde was being developed and Geramb's name was on the list for the position. During the next few years Victor von Geramb was, and his importance for the study of folklore in Austria was notified. Volkskunde at the University of Graz grew directly out of 19th century thinking. The discipline in Salzburg, however, must be seen exclusively in its relationship to National Socialism. The Institute in Salzburg remained open for two more years, until 1938 when it was officially closed. In the interwar period, there was no institutionalization of Volkskunde at the University of Vienna.
