1997 First Edition - Charles van Sandwyk’s Pocket Guide to the Little People

Author: Charles van Sandwyk.
Title: Van Sandwyk’s Pocket Guide to the Little People.
Publisher: North Vancouver, The Fairy Press, 1997. First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 7 x 5 inches (18 x 12.5 cm).
Pages: 24 pages.
Binding: Attractive and near fine original red pictorial wrappers, illustrated on both covers with whimsical black and color fairyland drawings (hinges fine, slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Near Fine condition. Interior is crisp and fresh, with beautifully printed illustrations throughout on quality paper.
Illustrations: Profusely illustrated with pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations by Charles van Sandwyk, including many full-page color plates and elaborate decorative borders in soft tones. All illustrations are clean, vivid, and complete.

Estimate: (Scarce with no or few other copies available for sale worldwide).

The book: A scarce and enchanting first printing of Van Sandwyk’s Pocket Guide to the Little People, a delightful field guide to fairies, their habits, and how to spot them. First published in 1997 in a limited run of approximately 2000 copies, this whimsical work includes detailed illustrations, calligraphic text, and field notes on fairy behavior, attire, and habitats. A charming example of Van Sandwyk's early private press work with The Fairy Press, this title is increasingly uncommon in collectible condition.

The author: Charles van Sandwyk (b. 1966) is a celebrated Canadian artist and illustrator known for his whimsical illustrations inspired by folklore, fairytales, and the natural world. His work often evokes the spirit of early 20th-century illustrators like Arthur Rackham and Kay Nielsen. A master of private press artistry, Van Sandwyk's books—often produced in limited numbers—combine elegant typography with hand-drawn illustrations, creating collectible treasures of contemporary book art.