Room in a Rectory

Sir Andrew Caldecott (1884–1951) was a British colonial administrator and a writer of history and supernatural fiction.Seth is the cartoonist behind the comic-book series Palookaville, which started in the stone age as a pamphlet and is now a semi-annual hardcover. His comics have appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Best American Comics, and McSweeney’s Quarterly. His illustrations have appeared in numerous publications including the cover of the New Yorker, The Walrus, and Canadian Notes & Queries. He is the subject of a recent documentary from the National Film Board of Canada, Seth’s Dominion. Seth lives in Guelph, Ontario, with his wife Tania and their two cats in an old house he has named “Inkwell’s End.”

Praise for Christmas Ghost Stories“[This] series of Christmas ghost stories, miniature books chosen and illustrated by the cartoonist Seth … [offers] chills—and charm.”—John Williams, New York Times Book Review“I just bought my set of these and they … are … PERFECT. I hope they do these every year.”—Patton Oswalt"Did you know there is an old tradition of telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve? For the past several years Canadian publisher Biblioasis has revived the tradition, one thin, tiny book at a time (illustrated by minimalistic, idiosyncratic cartoonist Seth). They’ve revived ghosts by Edith Wharton, Charles Dickens and others. The newest installment ... includes 'The Captain of the Polestar,' a polar fright by Arthur Conan Doyle. What is, after all, 'A Christmas Carol' but a ghost story, handed down, every holiday?"—Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune"These annual sets of ghost stories from cartoonist Seth and publisher Biblioasis has, over the last few years, become one of my favorite holiday traditions. The 2023 set arrives bearing three creepy stories and an armload of stark, atmospheric illustrations that perfectly capture and bolster them to chilling effect ... Like these stories, Seth’s illustrations suggest more than they actually show, adding to the quiet horror creeping around the edges. These are perfect for a quick read on a cold winter’s night, and are sure to warm the cockles of any jaded horror fan’s heart."—Blu Gilliand, Cemetery Dance"Caldecott’s A Room in a Rectory ... may well spook those who gather on Christmas Eve ... Ultimately, the author’s and the illustrator’s treatments of 'the obscene and macabre' make for a lot of fun."—Literary Review of Canada"Internationally celebrated Guelph cartoonist Seth dug deep into his archive of ghost stories to resurrect a Victorian tradition of reading one on Christmas Eve."—Deb Dundas, Toronto Star"Perfect books for holiday giving."—Toronto Star"[If] you are looking to add a little old world charm to your winter celebrations, this book series just may be for you. This year’s batch in particular offers up some fantastic reads, accompanied once again by stark and unsettling (in the best way) illustrations by accomplished illustrator Seth."—Lindsey Childs, Prairie Fire“Seth’s books—petite and illustrated with gorgeous minimalist designs—feel somehow like a more mature version of my childhood traditions. In reality, Seth’s Christmas Ghost Stories are a tradition everyone, young and old, can make a part of their holidays. With these beautifully illustrated books, it seems in this case one really can judge a book by its cover.”—The Charlatan"Really beautiful art, and great stories."—So Many Damn Books"Seth—illustrator, graphic novelist, and decorator (his term)—returns for another season of ghost stories for Christmas, single-handedly reviving an otherwise defunct holiday tradition among Northern Hemisphere English-speaking countries of combining eerie tales with the Yuletide (even though the tales have nothing to do with Christmas)—now with Seth’s moody black and white decorations to help the uncanny mood along."—Tom Bowden, Book Beat