For more than four decades, Charles van Sandwyk has brought his unique and characterful vision to the literary world. In addition to the over seventy titles written and illustrated for his private press, he has worked closely with The Folio Society, contributing illustrations to The Blue Fairy Book, Alice in Wonderland, and The Wind in the Willows.

This special event at Firsts London 2025, in conjunction with Fold the Corner Books, will include readings from some of his best-loved works including How To See Fairies, Canadian Content, and The Gnome King, as well as the unveiling of a very special edition of Tree Whispers. 

It will mark the introduction of Fah-nama-nama-nama-lah, his enchanting and long-awaited tale of a little boy and a baby elephant, from which he will go on to recount stories of his life and travels in Africa and the South Pacific.

Charles' public performances transport audiences to another time and place. Whether it is in picture, prose, or verse, the theme remains the same: to exalt the peaceful, the joyful and the beautiful in life.

"Van Sandwyk is a latter day Beatrix Potter."  James Lovegrove, The Financial Times