The Bookseller

Septimus "Pages" Reynolds 

Septimus Reynolds operated his cramped bookshop on Trinity Street from 1815 until his death in 1842, becoming a fixture in Cambridge intellectual life despite never attending the university himself. The shop specialized in second-hand academic texts, but Reynolds' true passion was the small collection of rare manuscripts and forbidden texts he kept hidden behind a false bookcase. Scholars knew that Reynolds could procure almost any obscure volume if given enough time and discretion. His alabaster complexion, result of rarely seeing sunlight, was offset by the perpetual ink stains on his fingers from repairing damaged books. Reynolds was known for his photographic memory—he could recall the location and contents of every volume in his labyrinthine shop.

The white ceramic ghost with black streaks perfectly captures Reynolds' appearance: his pale skin from decades spent indoors amid dusty tomes, and the ink stains that permanently marked his hands and often streaked his face when he absentmindedly brushed back his hair. His hollow black eyes reflect the countless hours spent reading by candlelight, which ultimately damaged his vision beyond repair. Owners report that books occasionally appear rearranged when this ghost is present, always in perfect alphabetical order. Some claim that placing this ghost near disorganized bookshelves results in a subtle but persistent sense of disapproval until the books are properly arranged.

Every ghost is hand-made and unique - yours will be similar to the image shown but will vary in intensity and amount of streaking or other markings making it just as beautiful, but different.