1999 First Edition- Animal Wisdom written and illustrated by Charles van Sandwyk
A beautiful signed First Edition of Animal Wisdom by Charles van Sandwyk, presented in its distinctive blue pictorial binding, with exquisite watercolour illustrations, delicate calligraphy, and the artist's signature.
Author: Charles van Sandwyk.
Title: Animal Wisdom.
Publisher: North Vancouver, British Columbia: Charles van Sandwyk Fine Arts, 1999.
Edition: First Edition, First Printing, identified by the original blue covers. One of 2,000 copies printed by offset lithography.
Signed: Signed by Charles van Sandwyk on the inside front cover, above his printed Fine Arts emblem, as shown.
Language: English.
Pages: Unpaginated (approximately 25 pages).
Size: 10 x 7 inches.
Binding: Fine original blue pictorial paper-covered binding, with elegant copper-coloured lettering and ornamental decoration surrounding a mounted colour illustration of an owl. The binding is beautifully preserved, with its original hand-stitched construction and clean blue covers. Protected in a removable mylar cover.
Content: Fine content, bright, clean, and beautifully preserved, with the artist's delicate illustrations and calligraphic text in excellent condition, as shown.
Illustrations: Beautifully illustrated throughout with colour reproductions of Charles van Sandwyk's watercolours, accompanied by finely detailed pen-and-ink drawings, ornamental borders, and hand-lettered text.
Estimate: $375–400 USD.
The book: Animal Wisdom is an enchanting collection of illustrated reflections on nature, kindness, imagination, and the enduring wisdom of the animal world. First published in 1999, this beautifully produced work brings together Charles van Sandwyk's distinctive watercolours, intricate pen-and-ink drawings, and graceful calligraphy in a harmonious celebration of the natural world.
Among its memorable illustrations are an owl bearing the arrows of wisdom, a beautifully observed hare, a raven beside a handwritten reflection, and a lion accompanied by a reading monkey. Each composition combines delicate naturalistic detail with gentle humour and thoughtful observations. The original blue pictorial binding, embellished with copper-coloured lettering and an inset illustration, makes the book particularly attractive. This copy is additionally distinguished by the artist's signature, making it especially appealing to collectors of van Sandwyk's early publications.
The author and illustrator: Charles van Sandwyk (born 1966) is a Canadian artist, author, and illustrator celebrated for his enchanting depictions of animals, fairies, and imaginary worlds. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and raised in Canada, he developed a distinctive artistic language inspired by the great illustrators of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. His work combines delicate watercolour painting, meticulous pen-and-ink drawing, and beautifully expressive lettering.
Van Sandwyk's publications are admired for their craftsmanship, imaginative charm, and thoughtful attention to the relationship between nature and storytelling. His illustrations have also appeared in celebrated editions published by the Folio Society. Animal Wisdom offers a particularly appealing introduction to his artistic world, capturing the tenderness, wit, and extraordinary attention to detail that have made his books so desirable among collectors.