1992 First Limited Edition #132/250 - Parade to Paradise by Charles van Sandwyk

Author: Charles Van Sandwyk.
Title: The Parade to Paradise.
Publisher: Vancouver, SummerWild Productions, 1992. First Limited Edition, Collector’s Edition. #132/250.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 10 x 8 inches.
Pages: 43 pages.
Binding: Fine original dark green linen binding, with gilt-stamped title to the front cover below a mounted colour illustration. Imitation green marbled endpapers. Housed in its original tan paper dust jacket, also in fine condition. A beautiful, fresh, and very well-preserved copy. Protected in a removable mylar cover. 
Content: Fine condition. Bright, clean, and crisp internally. This copy is number 132 of 250 copies produced as a Collector’s Edition, printed on 100 lb. acid-free Lustro paper, signed by Charles van Sandwyk on the limitation page, and with a small sepia etching tipped in.
Illustrations: Beautifully illustrated throughout by Charles van Sandwyk, with delicate colour illustrations, decorative borders, calligraphic initials, and finely reproduced watercolour artwork. The book was designed by Charles van Sandwyk, Noel van Sandwyk, and Ken Budd.

Estimate: (USD 600 – 900)

The book: The Parade to Paradise is one of Charles van Sandwyk’s most enchanting early books, a lyrical illustrated fable filled with birds, tropical foliage, delicate ornament, and the artist’s unmistakable sense of wonder. First published in 1992 by SummerWild Productions, it reflects van Sandwyk’s deep affection for island landscapes, bird life, and the dreamlike meeting point between natural history and fantasy.

This special Collector’s Edition is limited to only 250 numbered copies. It is much more elaborate than the trade edition, with a handsome green linen binding, mounted cover illustration, decorative marbled endpapers, a signed limitation page, and a tipped-in sepia etching. The production is elegant and intimate, beautifully suited to van Sandwyk’s refined illustrations and poetic text.

The author and illustrator: Charles van Sandwyk is a Canadian artist, author, calligrapher, and illustrator known for his whimsical and finely detailed books. Born in Johannesburg in 1966 and raised in British Columbia, he developed a distinctive style rooted in the traditions of classic illustrated books, while remaining entirely his own in tone and imagination. His work often features birds, fairies, animals, island landscapes, and fantastical creatures, rendered with delicacy, humour, and old-world charm.

Van Sandwyk’s books are now highly collected, especially his limited and privately printed editions. He is also well known for his celebrated illustrations for the Folio Society, including editions of The Wind in the Willows and The Blue Fairy Book. The Parade to Paradise is a particularly desirable example of his early work, combining fine bookmaking, fantasy, poetry, and tropical natural beauty in one lovely volume.