Cracks in the Cloister - Paperback

Cracks in the Cloister: Cartoons from Inside Monastic Life

Discover the lighter side of cloistered living through the witty cartoons of Brother Choleric, the pen name of Dom Hubert van Zeller. This collection offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of monks and nuns, revealing the very human moments that unfold behind monastery walls.

Inside the Cloistered World

Drawing from sixty years as a Benedictine monk at Downside Abbey, van Zeller captures the quirks, foibles, and endearing characteristics of religious community life. His cartoons highlight the universal human nature that persists even in the most rarified spiritual environments. From the interactions between brothers to the small daily dramas of monastic routine, these illustrations bring warmth and humor to a world often viewed as austere and distant.

Praised by Monks and Literary Giants Alike

Brother Choleric's work earned acclaim from diverse audiences, including his fellow monks and notable literary figures such as Evelyn Waugh. The cartoons resonate because they balance reverence for monastic life with honest, droll observations about the people who live it. Van Zeller's artistic eye captures both the sacred and the sweetly ridiculous aspects of religious community.

About the Artist: Dom Hubert van Zeller

Dom Hubert van Zeller (d. 1984) was anything but a conventional monk. A man of prodigious talents, he excelled as a sculptor with a clean, distinctive style influenced by the Ditchling artistic community. He was also a prolific spiritual writer whose books remain in print and continue to guide readers today.

Yet for many, van Zeller is most memorable as Brother Choleric, the pseudonymous cartoonist who brought joy to countless readers while perhaps causing the occasional raised eyebrow among his superiors. His caricatures demonstrate a rare combination of artistic skill, spiritual depth, and genuine affection for the monastic vocation.

Perfect For

This collection appeals to anyone interested in religious life, monastic traditions, or thoughtful humor about human nature. Whether you're familiar with Catholic religious orders or simply appreciate insightful cartooning, Cracks in the Cloister offers an accessible and entertaining window into a unique way of life. The cartoons work equally well for personal reflection, gift-giving to those in religious life, or anyone who appreciates the intersection of faith and humor.