George Sprott: (1894-1975) Hardcover – May 26, 2009

I would think almost everyone knows the classic story of George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life". George Bailey is rescued from committing suicide on Christmas Eve by Clarence the wingless angel. Mr. Bailey thought that the world would be a better place without him. With the help of the narrators Franklin and Joseph along with our wingless angel, we all see the real merit of George Bailey's life. Seth's narrative graphic depiction of George Sprott's life can be the antithesis of "It's a Wonderful Life". Utilizing all the major events of George Sprott's life we see a graphic narrative which emanates sadness, lost opportunities, narcissism, and loneliness and yes fame. Yes George Sprott gains a rather local limited fame and makes many acquaintances but are they true friends? Seth goes back and forth in his multi-narratives in which we learn of what people saw and thought of George Sprott. Unlike "It's a Wonderful Life", Seth does not do his story in chronological order. Rather Seth jumps to a disparity of years, not in order, to convey certain philosophies and points of order. You will see a man struggling for a life of meaning and unlike George Bailey, George Sprott does not have an angel to guide him. In as much as Sprott does not lead the "hometown hero" life of Mr. Bailey, Seth offers the fact that all life, even less than fulfilling ones are worth living. Seth's use of graphics in showing a small Canadian town are, how can I say it, "Sethesque". His story line again in the narrative and graphic depictions are what Edward Hopper conveyed in his art. I don't have enough Stars!! Great graphic novella from Seth's hand!!!

Here is the story of 20th century Canada, in living rooms and bedrooms, in woods and frame houses and imagined igloos and under curtains of colored lights. It is a philosophy of a lived life, real and tangible human relationships, the sagging-to-sleep of old age, the humbugging and pride and groping of the day-to-day, and then the sweeping away of memories and the extinguishment of life like turning off a television set and the light fading to a point and vanishing. And the turning on of a life, the spotlights illumine a stage where the settings and prompts are predetermined, where we as actors and actresses strut and go. George Sprott is not merely the story of a man in a place and time (although it is fully that), it is the story of Everyman, every one. This is high art. This is comics at their ultimate peak, where the media and the message merge to go as deeply as you wish, where the tundra is as wide and broad as under any Earthly sky, but where limits are predefined and inescapable. A book that reminds us why we love and need books.

I don't know what to say about this book, except that I was blown away by Seth again. Everything I've seen him do has been amazing, and this book is no exception. I hate to sound like a gushing fanboy, but Seth just amazes me.This wonderful book follows the life of a fictional character from local Canadian TV history. George Sprott is not a perfect person, which only serves to make him more human. The story is told with such grace, and dignity.The actual book is an art project all by itself. It is beautifully bound. The oversize pages really let Seth's artwork shine. The photographs of the cardboard models Seth made of some of the key buildings in the story were a nice surprise and really added to the overall atmosphere of the book.If you like Seth, you've got to have this book. And if you've never heard of Seth, what rock have you been living under? You've got to check out this book to see what you've been missing.

You pass people like George Sprott on the street every day, and you probably never give them a second look. He's a small-town TV star, well past his prime and soon to be relegated to the dustbin of history. He is ordinary, and his mark on the world would appear to be small. But no man is really ordinary, and each of us has a story to tell. George's story is not a hopeful one; in fact, it carries a load of regret and remorse. Some of the tale is told through the eyes of his colleagues and associates -- it's hard to call them friends -- and their words paint a fairly pathetic picture. But you will be touched and moved by it, I guarantee you. It's a quick read, marvelously illustrated in dark monochromatics. You'll treasure this and want to share it with anyone who has a conscience, anyone who has ever wondered about the value of a single, solitary life.

This book is an obvious attempt to make some quick cash by rubbishing the reputation of one of the best-loved figures of Canadian television. My father knew Sprott well and told me that he was actually far more clever than people made him out to be. That deal about sleeping on the set, for example. It was a GAG! Self-deprecatory humor. Sprott knew what he was about. But this "Seth" guy can't even get his facts straight. Look, if you want good information about Sprott, might I recommend the classic "Minute Biographies of Canadian Television Personalities" which covers Sprott's life with less detail much more accuracy.

This is a quality book top to bottom. The binding and overall feel of this book is top-notch and last for generations as it should because the artwork within is excellent and painstakingly executed. I am happy to have added this to my Seth Collection.

all ok

Storia originale e interessante, raccontata benissimo; e il disegno di Seth è come sempre magnifico. In particolare l,uso del colore. E bellissimi gli scorci metropolitani canadesi. La storia è organizzata molto bene, attraverso diverse narrazioni ( e diversi punti di vista) . E poi c.e l ' inconfondibile voce narrante di Seth. Insomma, siamo ai massimi livelli del fumetto