Charles Van Sandwyk

Well, this Folio edition of van Sandwyk's whimsical poems and vignettes, with his own fantastic illustrations, proves that there is magic in the world under our feet and above our heads, if only we can open our eyes to see it. This book isn't just illustrated, it's illuminated, like a medieval manuscript. It includes a full color fold-out accompaniment to the poem "Afterglow". And it's lovingly dedicated to "the everlasting memory of Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) who was rather fond of show more sardines."

Altogether lovely. Makes me want to collect all the classics he has illustrated.

JANUARY 2019 show less

This is a delightful small volume, mostly illustrations, with a tiny envelope and note or letter attached to several of the pages. The correspondence between the author/artist and His Imperial Majesty Watson Wimplewort Rex provides the simple story of the King's request for a portrait, and the fulfillment of that request. Just lovely. An elegant companion to van Sandwyk's How to See Fairies.

This little gem from the Folio Society highlights Charles van Sandwyk's extraordinarily lovely work, which has become a favorite indulgence. Many moments of joy come from perusing the detailed tiny drawings in this fold-out offering showing the many facets of mouse-hood.

My reaction to this book was that it was very deep with a positive way of having the reader reflect on their humanity. It makes you reflect on the little things that you do in life that make the biggest difference. The one point that stuck out to me was a section regarding generosity with no expectation in return. It describes how doing a simple favor can mean the world to someone else. This made me think of when I helped my friend find a place to live when she got a job in Vermont where she show more knew no one. To her this was lifesaving to her while to me it was as simple as making a few reconnections to help them out. Over all I thought this book provide positive awareness to the abilities of humanity. The book is higher level or would need to be broken down page by page because the writing is suave.

The main point of the book is remind readers the benefits of being a human and how your "humanity" (behavior) is a gift. A gift that many individuals have forgotten due to the fast pace of our society. Through the book it relates humanity to animals to show how their simpler way of life has not forgotten the small things that mean the most. More is not always better. Overall the book is relaying the idea that humans need to regain their basic humanity for better satisfaction. It's the simple things that bring true delight. show less