Ever hear of “The Turnip Princess”? This unlikely fairy tale is one of over 500 recently discovered in Germany. Compiled by Franz Xaver von Schönwerth in the mid-1800’s, the stories have been locked away in an archive for over 150 years.
Though “The Turnip Princess” may not be the next “Cinderella,” the stories certainly represent hidden gems of cultural history and illustrate the rich tradition of the fairy tale. The canon of children’s literature and folklore are always evolving; our canon will soon undoubtedly include several outstanding authors and illustrators, most notably Charles van Sandwyk.
Charles van Sandwyk’s Exceptional Illustrated Literature
The works of Charles van Sandwyk transcend even the traditional fairy tale. His richly illustrated books have earned recognition not only among children’s book lovers, but also among rare book collectors. Even among fine press books, van Sandwyk’s books stand out for their whimsical illustrations, delicate construction, and captivating stories.
His tales follow the tradition of Aesop’s fables and Beatrix Potter’s stories; van Sandwyk creates charming worlds populated by animals. Simple, elegant prose complements the fine illustrations.
Collectors of Charles van Sandwyk’s books rely on Charles Van Sandwyk: An Interim Bibliography 1983 to 2000. The first book published by Heavenly Monkey, the bibliography itself is a lovely work, collectible in its own right.
March 13th, 2012
Christmas is fast approaching, and you still have plenty of gifts to buy. What to do? Find just the right book for every name on that list! The right book gives a lifetime of joy and pleasure. Walter Rodgers, of the Christian Science Monitor, reminds us that books have incredible power because “they are our bulwarks against time, ignorance, and barbarity.”
Christmas Classics
People of all ages have fond memories of classic Christmas tales. Perennial favorites include Clement Clarke Moore’s Night before Christmas and Chris Van Allsburg’s Polar Express, along with works by legendary illustrator Charles Van Sandwyk. First editions of these books make lovely additions to any personal library, and are also a wonderful way to introduce youngsters to the world of rare books.
But not all Christmas-themed books are illustrated; numerous authors have focused on the holiday season as backdrops for their works. Saul Bellow’s Dean’s December, for instance takes place during the holiday season. And Nancy Atherton breathes a little Yuletide cheer into her famous series with Aunt Dimity’s Christmas.
Legendary Authors
Certain authors have remained popular throughout the ages, and some modern authors have emerged as true literary emissaries of our age. From Umberto Eco and Doris Lessing, to Philip Roth and JRR Tolkien, these legendary authors represent some of the greatest artists and thinkers of our century.
First editions of works by these authors make excellent gifts. Their universal appeal and perennial popularity among collectors mean that they’ll generally continue to hold value over time.
Hobbies and Interests
A fantastic way to select gift books is to consider the recipient’s hobbies and interests. Books about a favorite subject are always welcome, and they make lovely complements to the hobbyist’s library:
If you’d like help selecting the right books for everyone on your holiday list, or if you have questions about shipping options, please feel free to contact us.
December 14th, 2011
The holidays have arrived, and with the season come hectic schedules. It can be easy to lose sight of the joy and celebration that also accompany this time of year. Our favorite children’s Christmas books beautifully capture those themes.
A Classic Christmas Tale
When Clement Moore penned A Visit from St. Nicholas in 1822, he had no idea that the poem would endure for over a century. In fact, the piece was first published anonymously. It was only later that Moore acknowledged authorship. We now know the poem as Twas the Night before Christmas, and many families now read it every Christmas Eve.
Children’s illustrators are frequently inspired by this beloved tale. Tasha Tudor’s rendition is particularly lovely. Renowned pop-up artist Robert Sabuda also created a wonderful limited edition of the book that people of all ages will cherish.
Modern Favorites
Modern authors and illustrators have followed in Moore’s footsteps, including many Caldecott winners. They’ve introduced new stories to our Christmas traditions:
Which children’s Christmas books are favorites in your family?
December 7th, 2011
Award-winning children’s illustrator Charles van Sandwyk has developed a reputation for drawings and watercolors that look like they hark from ages—and places—past. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1966, van Sandwyk grew up surrounded by art. His father was a graphic designer, and their home was filled with a wealth of antique prints and paintings.
The family emigrated to Vancouver in 1977. By that time, van Sandwyk had already developed a knack for calligraphy. During secondary school, he began experimenting with copper plate etchings. Van Sandwyk followed in his fathers footsteps, entering the graphic design program at Capilino College in Vancouver.
After completing that program in 1986, van Sandwyk departed for Fiji. His family had spent time there during his childhood, and he remained deeply connected to the place. Van Sandwyk continues to spend several months each year in Fiji.
As an illustrator, van Sandwyk looks to his childhood for inspiration: the birds and animals of South Africa and Fiji; the artwork and gardens of his parents’ home; sepia photographs of relatives; and the illustrated books he read in his youth. “To many people my work appears to have stepped out of another time and place,” he says. His works include the following:
The definitive source for information about editions of van Sandwyk’s work is Charles van Sandwyk: An Interim Bibliography. The bibliography is an indispensible resource for avid collectors of van Sandwyk and related ancillary materials.
Which children’s illustrators made an impact on you and your family?
October 19th, 2011
