What do you think?
Rate this book
Ghosts: The Button House Archives
The comic companion to the BBC sitcom GHOSTS.
Everybody leaves a trace. The ghosts of Button House may have been dead a long time - some of them a very long time - but they have all left their mark on the world (even if, in Robin's case, that mark is just a handprint on the wall of a cave).
Gathered together in this volume is a treasure trove of unearthed cuttings, original records and rare artefacts that explore the unseen lives of those who died at Button House: from Thomas's love letters to Pat's 'Summer Camp Rap', and from Julian's campaign promises to Lady Button's Rules of Etiquette. There are even documents dictated to the one person who can see and hear the ghosts: Alison Cooper.
Written by the show's creators – Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond – this eclectic archive is a unique chance to discover more about the beloved ghosts of Button House. Thank be to Moonah!
Everybody leaves a trace. The ghosts of Button House may have been dead a long time - some of them a very long time - but they have all left their mark on the world (even if, in Robin's case, that mark is just a handprint on the wall of a cave).
Gathered together in this volume is a treasure trove of unearthed cuttings, original records and rare artefacts that explore the unseen lives of those who died at Button House: from Thomas's love letters to Pat's 'Summer Camp Rap', and from Julian's campaign promises to Lady Button's Rules of Etiquette. There are even documents dictated to the one person who can see and hear the ghosts: Alison Cooper.
Written by the show's creators – Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond – this eclectic archive is a unique chance to discover more about the beloved ghosts of Button House. Thank be to Moonah!
Audible Audio
First published October 26, 2023
125 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
December 10, 2023
your honour i love them
February 25, 2025
If you don’t find yourself somehow crying and laughing at he same time while reading this then you don’t have a soul 😆🥹
November 2, 2023
From the sampler of the Ghosts Archives and I’ll start by saying, if you’re a fan of the show (I’m going to assume that you are because EVERYONE should be. It’s straight to the point pure epic), that you’re going to love this book. I only got a sneak peak and I thought it was the best thing ever.
I’m the biggest fan of Ghosts and the show is my ultimate comfort watch and totally won’t embarrass myself by saying how many times I’ve watched it, but the book is the most perfect companion. It’s a great addition to the show and we get further insights into all the characters we’ve come to know and love.
All of the ghosts have such huge personalities and it was great to see snippets of them on the pages.
Want to see the Captains recommended workout routine accompanied by some really inspired illustrations (yeah, you know you do), along with Mary’s instructions on how to build a basket 5 potatoes high. We get newspaper cuttings of some of Pat’s rather hilarious escapades and transcripts from some of Julian’s rather dodgy dealings and attempts to build his very own swimming pool on expenses… and the addition of the Times TV schedule spread with all of the programmes each of the ghosts have highlighted to watch was a further glorious insight into their personalities. I mean, Thomas on a Friends Marathon binge sound about right.
This book was a pure delight to read and it really made me smile. And if I got that just from the sneak preview, I can only imagine the full read will be everything us fans could want and more.
I’m going to be so sad to see this series end but having this book on my shelf is definitely somewhat of a balm to quell el heartbreak at having the series come to a close. I’m glad they decided to release a book as it really does give us a further opportunity to get to know more about the ghosts and enjoy a bit more of the show we all know and love.
Thank you to the authors and publisher for a preview of this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Full version: So I bought the book after reading the sampler and OMG ITS EPIC. I mean I already knew it was epic from the brief glance I had at it but I’m so glad it’s on my shelf. I co read this alongside the audiobook which was just next level awesome. I thoroughly recommend you all get the audiobook and read with the book as it’s all narrated by our favourite ghosts. It literally sounds like an episode and is a true gift to the fans !
I’m the biggest fan of Ghosts and the show is my ultimate comfort watch and totally won’t embarrass myself by saying how many times I’ve watched it, but the book is the most perfect companion. It’s a great addition to the show and we get further insights into all the characters we’ve come to know and love.
All of the ghosts have such huge personalities and it was great to see snippets of them on the pages.
Want to see the Captains recommended workout routine accompanied by some really inspired illustrations (yeah, you know you do), along with Mary’s instructions on how to build a basket 5 potatoes high. We get newspaper cuttings of some of Pat’s rather hilarious escapades and transcripts from some of Julian’s rather dodgy dealings and attempts to build his very own swimming pool on expenses… and the addition of the Times TV schedule spread with all of the programmes each of the ghosts have highlighted to watch was a further glorious insight into their personalities. I mean, Thomas on a Friends Marathon binge sound about right.
This book was a pure delight to read and it really made me smile. And if I got that just from the sneak preview, I can only imagine the full read will be everything us fans could want and more.
I’m going to be so sad to see this series end but having this book on my shelf is definitely somewhat of a balm to quell el heartbreak at having the series come to a close. I’m glad they decided to release a book as it really does give us a further opportunity to get to know more about the ghosts and enjoy a bit more of the show we all know and love.
Thank you to the authors and publisher for a preview of this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Full version: So I bought the book after reading the sampler and OMG ITS EPIC. I mean I already knew it was epic from the brief glance I had at it but I’m so glad it’s on my shelf. I co read this alongside the audiobook which was just next level awesome. I thoroughly recommend you all get the audiobook and read with the book as it’s all narrated by our favourite ghosts. It literally sounds like an episode and is a true gift to the fans !
October 30, 2023
Honestly I was not expecting to give this any lesser a rating and the idiots did not disappoint.
Some of my favourite quotes:
“Fuell’d by the frothing venom of his Catholic rage” (report on Humphrey’s death, and a mood)
“Granted, there was an iceberg related operational complication in the voyage’s latter portion but that does not detract from our contractual right to have experienced it” (Lady B’s letter of complaint to the White Star Line wanting a refund for her Titanic tickets, which were stolen)
The Section 38 1(a) of the Freedom of Information Act redactions in Pat’s police report. As someone who works in the civil service - accurate but TRIGGERED
“How I cried into my silk pillow as a bairn, yearning for the freedom of a street urchin” (Thomas’ hard life)
The evil Lionel Witchenwardrobe (a final boss in Kitty’s steps to the afterlife)
“Real man fight posh man. Real man win so kill posh man. Posh man come back anyway” (is any word of Robin’s summary of the English Civil War wrong?)
“Thy sticks shall spread wide like the grasping fingers of the bishop in the season of tithes” (Mary knows how to make a basket and shade the taxman)
“If any consolation I ghost with no trousers 4 eternity now which mega embaz” (Julian’s email skills)
Some of my favourite quotes:
“Fuell’d by the frothing venom of his Catholic rage” (report on Humphrey’s death, and a mood)
“Granted, there was an iceberg related operational complication in the voyage’s latter portion but that does not detract from our contractual right to have experienced it” (Lady B’s letter of complaint to the White Star Line wanting a refund for her Titanic tickets, which were stolen)
The Section 38 1(a) of the Freedom of Information Act redactions in Pat’s police report. As someone who works in the civil service - accurate but TRIGGERED
“How I cried into my silk pillow as a bairn, yearning for the freedom of a street urchin” (Thomas’ hard life)
The evil Lionel Witchenwardrobe (a final boss in Kitty’s steps to the afterlife)
“Real man fight posh man. Real man win so kill posh man. Posh man come back anyway” (is any word of Robin’s summary of the English Civil War wrong?)
“Thy sticks shall spread wide like the grasping fingers of the bishop in the season of tithes” (Mary knows how to make a basket and shade the taxman)
“If any consolation I ghost with no trousers 4 eternity now which mega embaz” (Julian’s email skills)
December 31, 2023
Loved it! Couldn't read the handwriting though
November 3, 2023
absolutely fantastic book
December 4, 2023
This was a lovely, fun and quick read that I loved each and every page of! After having the pleasure of working the event at Waterstones (with the cast themselves!), I snuggled down to bed to read this all in one sitting! And it did not disappoint!
The additional archives from the TV show, this book contains all of the letters, flyers and important documents gathered by Alison, to document her ghost friends’ lives (and deaths)! From Thomas’ love letters, to Fanny’s tips on etiquette and Julian’s election speeches, this book contains all of the character insiders the show didn’t get a chance to show us!
I loved this book! I’m a big fan of the show and getting this awesome delve into each character was so much fun and insightful! I loved reading all of Julian’s election leaflets and speeches particularly the two speeches he prepares for if he wins and if he doesn’t win and I loved reading the love letters from Thomas! Fanny’s etiquette book had met in stitches and I also loved Robin’s analysis of different butcher cuts.
Another thing I loved was Alison’s interviews with each ghost. It was very wholesome to read all their favourite songs and their best bits of advice. It was just lovely to read.
The only reason I couldn’t give this one five stars (it has to be simply immaculate for me for five stars), is that I struggled to read the handwritten sections of the book. I wasn’t actually reading the book at that point, I was just spending a while staring and trying to decipher the handwriting… was just a pain.
Overall, this was a lovely short read, full of laughs, fun and awesome bits. I had a great time with this book and full recommend it as an essential reads for fans of the show and a perfect coffee table book for me to dive into whenever I desire.
The additional archives from the TV show, this book contains all of the letters, flyers and important documents gathered by Alison, to document her ghost friends’ lives (and deaths)! From Thomas’ love letters, to Fanny’s tips on etiquette and Julian’s election speeches, this book contains all of the character insiders the show didn’t get a chance to show us!
I loved this book! I’m a big fan of the show and getting this awesome delve into each character was so much fun and insightful! I loved reading all of Julian’s election leaflets and speeches particularly the two speeches he prepares for if he wins and if he doesn’t win and I loved reading the love letters from Thomas! Fanny’s etiquette book had met in stitches and I also loved Robin’s analysis of different butcher cuts.
Another thing I loved was Alison’s interviews with each ghost. It was very wholesome to read all their favourite songs and their best bits of advice. It was just lovely to read.
The only reason I couldn’t give this one five stars (it has to be simply immaculate for me for five stars), is that I struggled to read the handwritten sections of the book. I wasn’t actually reading the book at that point, I was just spending a while staring and trying to decipher the handwriting… was just a pain.
Overall, this was a lovely short read, full of laughs, fun and awesome bits. I had a great time with this book and full recommend it as an essential reads for fans of the show and a perfect coffee table book for me to dive into whenever I desire.
January 24, 2024
(2023) if this is anything as good as the show, then it’s going to be fantastic
(2024) losing my shit at the captain’s ’stay gay’ poster
(2024) losing my shit at the captain’s ’stay gay’ poster
December 26, 2023
I was going to give it 5 stars, but then I remembered all these handwritten letters I couldn't read
December 30, 2023
Just a lovely, lovely group of people.
May 19, 2024
Reflections and lessons learned/the content of this book made me feel…
“…saw first book… don’t really see fuss, only saw outside but that seems good way to judge book…”
Gentle humour always sounds like a put down but it’s true - wry small laughs are never a bad thing! The strength in this book for me are the continuation of the marvellous character studies - a lot of tv programmes had add on books like this in the 90s - I loved this as I loved those for comedic extra shorts. Like an insight into the potential storyboards for developing the programmes. Not enough for Mary for my liking, but plenty of Robin (including his wonderful history that I shall be teaching my kids) and Julian (so real and fab), along with all great character traits and foibles to keep me smiling and remembering this wonderful tv family. And the audiobook comes with a great accompanying PDF
“…saw first book… don’t really see fuss, only saw outside but that seems good way to judge book…”
Gentle humour always sounds like a put down but it’s true - wry small laughs are never a bad thing! The strength in this book for me are the continuation of the marvellous character studies - a lot of tv programmes had add on books like this in the 90s - I loved this as I loved those for comedic extra shorts. Like an insight into the potential storyboards for developing the programmes. Not enough for Mary for my liking, but plenty of Robin (including his wonderful history that I shall be teaching my kids) and Julian (so real and fab), along with all great character traits and foibles to keep me smiling and remembering this wonderful tv family. And the audiobook comes with a great accompanying PDF
October 31, 2023
Having preordered the Ghosts book as a Christmas present for every Ghost fan I know and, ahem, for myself too, I was so excited to review a sampler of the book. This sampler has totally got me excited for the book's release in October. It's filled with documents such as archaeological reports., exercise routines, transcripts, newspaper articles, letters and more, from the lives of our favourite ghosts. I laughed out loud at every page, written perfectly so I could almost hear each ghost's voice as I read. Full of in jokes from the series and new information about each ghost too. This book is going to absolutely perfect for any fan of the show.
December 28, 2023
Gosh these precious beans hold a not insubstantial piece of my heart. ❤️
So many little in-jokes and you could hear the characters coming through with every insert and feature, chuckling along and enjoying the little insights into their living...lives. I do hope the Captain finally got his shotgun STOP
So many little in-jokes and you could hear the characters coming through with every insert and feature, chuckling along and enjoying the little insights into their living...lives. I do hope the Captain finally got his shotgun STOP
October 26, 2023
shoutout to thomas thorne
December 28, 2023
captain was only 45… i will be sad forever x (also when i say BEST tv tie in book what then)
December 29, 2023
Captain having a ‘Stay Gay’ poster on his wall all through the war is comedy
November 6, 2023
I just love the show so much
December 29, 2023
26.12.2023
My favourite show maybe ever. Loved the little insights we got into each of the ghosts and I was giggling like an idiot in the staffroom while reading this at work. Alison's little comments really got me. I read every section in each character's voice, too, so a really cool addition to the series! I miss it already!
My favourite show maybe ever. Loved the little insights we got into each of the ghosts and I was giggling like an idiot in the staffroom while reading this at work. Alison's little comments really got me. I read every section in each character's voice, too, so a really cool addition to the series! I miss it already!
December 28, 2023
Everything one could dream of. And more
10/10 that
10/10 that
March 10, 2024
I treated myself to this in the January sales as I love the show. This is supposedly a collection of memories and stories that Alison has transcribed or copied. Definitely worth picking up if you're a fan of the show or the Six Idiots.
March 18, 2024
So I'm a little late to the bbc ghosts craze, but I'm absolutely obsessed by it 😁 this book was the perfect addition and Christmas present.
It goes into more depth about each of the ghost characters.
Particularly adored the Captain's "remain gay" poster🌈
Also a special mention to Robin the caveman my favorite ghost 🥰
It goes into more depth about each of the ghost characters.
Particularly adored the Captain's "remain gay" poster🌈
Also a special mention to Robin the caveman my favorite ghost 🥰
December 23, 2023
Read it all in one go. I love stuff like this- it reminds me of my childhood. This was my #1 thing I wanted for Christmas so I’m so happy I got it!!
January 12, 2024
The audio book is brilliant 🌟
May 1, 2024
Received this as a Christmas present and had already skimmed through it before deciding to really read it cover to cover. It's more of a coffee table book rather than one you read through entirely, as the idea is that it has gathered together what 'evidence' it can about the characters in Ghosts.
However, I love Ghosts and love the book.
I just might have to go away and watch all the series from the beginning ........ :D
However, I love Ghosts and love the book.
I just might have to go away and watch all the series from the beginning ........ :D
November 27, 2023
Such a great memento for the fans of the show. It contains some funny nodes to the plot, and expands on the characters' stories beautifully! I wish it didn't come with so much cursive, but considering the time periods involved, it's understandable.
December 7, 2024
A fun idea for fans of the BBC tv’s Ghosts; this sample is from what looks like it is a scrap book of documents, emails, newspaper reports and letters from the writers (and actors) of the programme.
I’ve found myself reading out lots of snippets and asking my partner to guess which character? He’s laughed out loud and guessed all correctly as we are fans.
I reckon you could use Mary’s instructions to weave a basket. If only I had the energy to go and cut some willow!
An ideal present.
12/11/23
I’ve found myself reading out lots of snippets and asking my partner to guess which character? He’s laughed out loud and guessed all correctly as we are fans.
I reckon you could use Mary’s instructions to weave a basket. If only I had the energy to go and cut some willow!
An ideal present.
12/11/23
October 26, 2023
I have the physical and audio copy of this book. Having just read the physical book. I love love love it. It’s amazing and as a fan of Ghosts, I was very keen on this. It gives lots of info on the Ghosts themselves without giving any spoilers of the new series.
February 2, 2024
Fun little read, exactly what you’d expect. The only real criticism is the handwriting was a bit tricky to read at times, ruining the flow of the jokes - and I read my fair share of handwritten sources á l’université
December 25, 2023
just a lovely feel-good thing to read, isn't it?
January 14, 2024
Deserves 5 stars for Robin’s history of Britain alone… pure gold!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews