The benandanti are magical figures from the pagan and rural tradition of Friuli: they undertook extraordinary out-of-body journeys, riding the spirits of animals. Their mission was to protect villages and harvests. Teho Teardo, one of the most acclaimed protagonists of the Italian music scene renowned for his film scores and sophisticated sound-based projects created our cover by evoking the stories recounted in the celebrated book by historian Carlo Ginzburg, I benandanti. Teardo transcribed the names of all the towns and locations found in a 17th-century map and crafted a soundscape built from nocturnal field recordings. His is a true collector’s cover: an artist deeply connected to experimental sound research, Teardo (Pordenone, 1966) has enhanced the project with a digital version as well (available from Tuesday via QR code), featuring a poetic video rich with birdsong and the noises hidden within the forest. Thus our cover was born: a map of a mythological world, woven with the melodies of a mysterious pentagram that opens the door to surprising inner landscapes. Gianluigi Colin Courtesy of the artist / Graphic design by Mirco Muner Map courtesy of Biblioteca Civica V. Joppi, Udine Photo by Simone Franzolini