Miscellaneous

The books listed in this section don't easily fit into one specific category, but rather include a focus which spans a number of areas.

• Vincent's Books: Van Gogh and the Writers Who Inspired HIm by Mariella Guzzoni (The University of Chicago Press, 2020): I can honestly say that Vincent's Books is one of the best written and most expertly researched books about Van Gogh that I've read in years.

  Mariella Guzzoni does a masterful job, especially considering the considerable challenge a book with this specific scope entails. In order for her work to be successful, it was essential that Ms. Guzzoni have an intimate and in-depth familiarity not only with Van Gogh's artworks and letters, but also the dozens of books he describes with great passion. I'm pleased to say that Ms. Guzzoni excels in all three areas.

  At its heart Vincent's Books explores how art and literature overlapped and co-existed in the artistic vision of Vincent van Gogh. Ms. Guzzoni writes how "literature, art and life became an integral part of [Van Gogh's} work: 'books, reality and art are the same kind of thing for me.' (Letter 312)"

  Vincent's Books explores Van Gogh's reverence for literature. And not only how the literature influenced his approach to art, but also the ways in which Van Gogh perceived artists and writers to be kindred spirits. Van Gogh envisioned his art as an expression of the world in the unique way that he perceived it. He saw writers in a similar fashion. In a letter to his sister Willemien, Van Gogh wrote "On the contrary, if one wants truth, life as it is, De Goncourt, for example, in Germinie Lacerteux, La fille Elisa, Zola in La joie de vivre and L’assommoir and so many other masterpieces paint life as we feel it ourselves and thus satisfy that need which we have, that people tell us the truth." (Letter 574). I've read Van Gogh's letters from beginning to end more than once, but through Vincent's Books I gained new insights. Here Van Gogh, the painter, writes to his sister discussing how writers "paint life."

  To further this point, Ms. Guzzoni expertly shows how literature had a direct influence on Van Gogh's art. I know Van Gogh's artworks backwards and forwards and know the letters well too. And I've always admired the beautiful painting Tarascon Diligence. In Vincent's Books the literary inspiration for this painting is discussed. Vincent wrote to Theo "Have you re-read the Tartarins yet? Ah, don’t forget to! Do you remember in Tartarin the lament of the old Tarascon diligence — that wonderful page? Well, I’ve just painted that red and green carriage in the yard of the inn. You’ll see." (Letter 703). Tarascon Diligence wouldn't be hanging on the walls of the Princeton Art Museum were it not for Alphonse Daudet's novel Tartarin of Tarascon.

  An exhaustive knowledge of Van Gogh's letters was instrumental in making Vincent's Books such a success. But Ms. Guzzoni provides even more welcome insights in that she'll quote unpublished letters between other members of the family (from sister Elisabeth to Theo's fiancé Jo Bonger, for example). In addition, Ms. Guzzoni has an admirable way of finding interesting and illuminating details in Van Gogh's artworks that surprised me. Like Martin Bailey, she has a unique talent for seeing Van Gogh's works with crystal clarity. Ms. Guzzoni writes of Van Gogh's art astutely: "Nothing in nature was strange to Vincent either. His almost aerial views, tall horizons without a sky, the waves, the backgrounds or skies sketched with a reed pen at Japanese speed--all in an increasingly personal style--had by now become a genuine calligraphy; personal, confident, unmistakable."

  Van Gogh was an impassioned reader. Many of his paintings and drawings were directly influenced by the books that sustained him, especially during emotionally harrowing times. Vincent's Books provides wonderful insights into this profound and complex relationship between painter and writer. Mariella Guzzoni writes "By dissolving the boundaries between the arts, [Van Gogh] opened an internal dialogue with his favourite authors that greatly contributed to his development as an artist."

  

• Living with Van Gogh: The Homes and Landscapes That Shaped the Artist by Martin Bailey (White Lion Publishing, 2019): Martin Bailey is one of the most prolific and soundly reliable Van Gogh specialists working in the world today. His published material (books and articles) have been extremely well received; he recently co-curated a major Van Gogh exhibition at Tate Britain and he's got a very interesting and informative blog at the Art Newspaper website.

  Here Martin Bailey explores the many places Van Gogh lived over the course of his 37 short years. In 1886 Van Gogh wrote "I am not an adventurer by choice but by fate and feeling nowhere so much myself a stranger as in my family and country." (Letter 569). So it's an interesting premise to follow Van Gogh in his travels through life while watching his remarkable progression as an artist. It's important to note that the revelations of Van Gogh's evolving skills as an artist depend on high quality reproductions of the art works themselves and I'm happy to say, as with his other books, the images in this book are first rate--the best being published today without question.

  One of Martin's great strengths is his attention to detail. Again, as with his other books, I found that in Living with Vincent van Gogh Martin would focus on small points in the art works that I'd never seen before. The man in red in The Grote Markt (and the minute reflection in the rain covered cobble stones), for example. Or something as non-descript as the roaming chickens in Cottage and Woman with Goat. These are small elements of the works, no doubt, but elements that I haven't noticed over more than twenty years of repeated viewings and this makes for a more satisfying experience when examining the works.

  The one thing I noted in Living with Vincent van Gogh was that at times Martin falls back on straightforward biographical content and provides less historical background about the places Van Gogh lived than I would have liked. There are reasons for this, of course. So many of the dwellings (and their environs) where Van Gogh once lived are now gone. Also, another obstacle to the research is that some of the most famous spots where Van Gogh lived: the vicarage in Nuenen, 54 Rue Lepic in Paris or Vincent's room at the asylum in Saint-Rémy, for example, are still standing, but the various occupants of these locations have, over the many years, been notoriously private regarding their famous residences. And understandably so. I can't recall if a contemporary photograph inside Theo's apartment at 54 Rue Lepic has ever been published.

  Having said that, I do think that more space could have been given to those locations that are more accessible or well known historically. The Ravoux Inn in Auvers-sur-Oise where Van Gogh died, for example. Perhaps a page or so could have been devoted to its history up until the present day. Also, Daubigny's house would have made for an interesting mention. Earlier in his life Van Gogh produced a lovely drawing of Churches at Petersham and Turnham Green. Van Gogh actually gave a sermon here. What was the church's history? Whatever became of it (it was torn down)? It's never discussed.

  I would definitely recommend Living with Vincent van Gogh. It's what I've come to expect from Martin Bailey. Engaging and informative writing backed up by rock solid research.

  

• Van Gogh's Ear by Bernadette Murphy (Vintage, 2016): I honestly don't know where to begin when it comes to Van Gogh's Ear.

  This book, an absolute wonder from beginning to end, was a true delight for me to read. I had some concerns going in. "Oh, the ear." One of the most well known and yet most poorly understood details of Vincent van Gogh's complex life. Others have written about "the ear incident" so could Bernadette Murphy bring something new and interesting to the table?

  The answer is a resounding and unqualified yes. Van Gogh's Ear is the best book on the subject of Vincent van Gogh that I've read in years. I approached the book with no expectations one way or the other, but soon realized that I held in my hands a real gem.

  Let me say first off that Bernadette Murphy is a born researcher. Her research efforts are dogged, clever and enlightening. The Daily Mail described Van Gogh's Ear as having "the pace of a detective novel" and the Daily Telegraph described Ms. Murphy as a "Sherlock Holmes." Both of these comments are spot on.

  One of my favourite Dutch words is "monnikenwerk." A good friend and researcher at the Van Gogh Museum taught me this word. It comes from the image of the lone monk leaning over his desk and painstakingly copying illuminated manuscripts. This is "monk's work": a task that is slow, meticulous and incredibly detail oriented. Much of my own Van Gogh work over the years could be described as "monnikenwerk." Proceeding at a snail's pace, maddeningly exhaustive, but ultimately very satisfying personally.

  Bernadette Murphy is a true master of "monnikenwerk" and I mean this in the most flattering way possible. I'm a great admirer of good research which is why Van Gogh's Ear proved to be so enjoyable. It's not just that Ms. Murphy isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves and spend countless hours in some dusty municipal archive--it's much more than that. What I find so satisfying in Mr. Murphy's research is that she questions everything and takes nothing for granted.

  The story of Vincent van Gogh is an old one and one that's been well documented for more than a century now. The ear incident: check. Starry Night: check. Absinthe: check. The suicide: check. What amazes me is that Bernadette Murphy approached the Van Gogh story with her own preconceived notions about the "mad, ear-cutting Dutch painter," but then her brilliant research lead her to the conclusion that "Now, so many years later, I realize that practically everything I thought I knew about Vincent van Gogh in Arles when I set off on this adventure has turned out not to be true."

  Van Gogh's Ear takes many of the well accepted tropes of Van Gogh's life and turns them upside down. Everyone knows that Van Gogh was addicted to absinthe (except that he almost certainly wasn't). The infamous Arles petition was the result of huge number of Arles residents fearing for their safety with an insane painter on the loose (except that's not true). Van Gogh gave his severed ear to a prostitute for safe keeping (Ms. Murphy's uncovering of the true story of "Rachel" is far more interesting, and sad, than is previously known).

  Van Gogh's Ear (and it should be noted that the book thoroughly covers the ear incident, but also so much more) is a treasure with new surprises and insights on almost every page. Ms. Murphy is not only a tenacious and methodical researcher with a discerning mind, but also one who creatively thinks of ways to uncover fascinating new revelations from well trodden terrain.

  In addition, Bernadette Murphy's musings on Van Gogh himself as well as his art works are always intelligent and insightful. Murphy sees beyond the mad ear-slasher and notes instead that "his extreme behaviour in Arles looks less like a single crazy episode than an act of desperation by someone profoundly unwell. He was impetuous, intense, yet at the same time oversensitive and deeply emphatic."

  In the end, I can't recommend Van Gogh's Ear highly enough. A masterpiece of research and written in a style that's entertaining and engaging. Bernadette Murphy's book is a triumph.

  

• On the Verge of Insanity: Van Gogh and His Illness by Nienke Bakker and Louis van Tilborgh, Laura Prins and Teio Meedendorp (Mercatorfonds, 2016): This book accompanied an exhibition at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam in 2016. The exhibition explored the much discussed and debated subject of Vincent van Gogh's illness. The book offers an in depth examination of Van Gogh's deteriorating mental health beginning with his time in the south of France. The various essays in the book provide a clear and well researched overview on the topic, with a detailed chronology and frequent citations of the original source letters and documents.

  Does this book answer the question of what, ultimately, was wrong with Van Gogh? No, nor can it. Some questions will remain forever unanswered, but the book does draw some strong conclusions and convincingly dismisses some of the more recent theories (schizophrenia, Ménière's disease, acute intermittent porphyria).

  While I think that the title is somewhat unfortunate--too harsh and overwrought--there's no question that the book On the Verge of Insanity presents one of the best written and most well balanced investigations on the subject.

  

• The Sunflowers Are Mine: The Story of Van Gogh's Masterpiece by Martin Bailey (Lincoln, 2013): Vincent van Gogh's sunflower paintings are among the best known art works in history. And yet there have been few proper studies of the sunflowers outside of academic journals. Martin Bailey's new book The Sunflowers Are Mine: The Story of Van Gogh's Masterpiece is a masterful overview of these cherished paintings.

  Martin Bailey, a British scholar and journalist, has a decades-long record of Van Gogh research. In The Sunflowers Are Mine Bailey explores the history of Van Gogh's iconic seven sunflower paintings--from Van Gogh's first brush strokes to their long and colourful journey over the course of more than a century and a quarter. The book is richly illustrated--not just with excellent images of the sunflower works themselves, but also with many historical photographs rarely seen. In fact, the image of Vase with Five Sunflowers is a remarkable discovery of Bailey's own diligent research. A lovely colour reproduction of superior quality and never before published outside of Japan.

  The Sunflowers Are Mine is as insightful and informative as it is engaging. Bailey's research is beautifully presented and his writing style is always compelling. Bailey isn't afraid to share his own opinions and personal observations, a trait that makes the book so entertaining. I smiled, for example, when Bailey describes the article written by Albert Aurier, the only writer to publically praise Van Gogh in his lifetime, as "highly convoluted." Much attention has been given to Aurier and his article, and rightfully so, but few people have ever observed that Aurier, at least judging from the tortured and flowery flavour of his piece, wasn't a stellar writer.

  I found The Sunflowers Are Mine to be extremely rewarding. A rich and praiseworthy study of these remarkable art works. Martin Bailey's many books and articles focusing on Van Gogh are well known and hugely respected. The Sunflowers Are Mine is a valuable and welcome addition to his work. A must-read.

  
  

• A Real Van Gogh: How the Art World Struggles with Truth by Henk Tromp (Amsterdam University Press, 2010): This interesting and engaging book explores the long chronicle of Van Gogh's art works, specifically with regards to the murky realm of authenticity. A Real Van Gogh is a beautifully researched look at the turbulent history of Van Gogh's works throughout the course of the twentieth century. Henk Tromp surveys the various scandals such as the Otto Wacker affair and uncovers surprising insights into how the major figures of the art world both helped and hindered the uncovering of the truth.

  While the book could have been better illustrated (33 Otto Wacker forgeries, for example, are shown as small thumbnails over only two pages), I nevertheless highly recommend A Real Van Gogh. A marvel of skillful and insightful research.

  
  

• Conversations with Vincent van Gogh by Simon Parke (White Crow Books, 2010): White Crow Books, a British publisher, has put together an interesting series of "Conversations with" books that feature various well known figures ranging from Leo Tolstoy and Arthur Conan Doyle to Vincent van Gogh.

  Of course, there's a genuine risk of putting words into the mouth of Van Gogh, but Simon Parke's latest "Conservations with" book cleverly avoids this trap by using Van Gogh's own text. The book is structured as an ongoing question and answer interview with Van Gogh. The questions, posed by Parke, are interesting and insightful ranging from diverse topics such as religion, art and madness. The answers are taken from Van Gogh's actual correspondence with his brother Theo and others. In other words, Van Gogh's answers in this "conversation" are his own.

  I found the composition and editing of Conversations with Van Gogh to be deftly handled. In less capable hands, this conversation could have been clumsy with the round peg, so to speak, of Van Gogh's words, being forced into the square hole of the submitted questions. But Simon Parke does a nice job of seamlessly weaving his astute questions together with Van Gogh's own musings to form a nicely flowing and engaging narrative.

  Definitely recommended for those who may find the newest six volume set of Van Gogh's letters a bit daunting, but who are still interested in exploring the mind of Vincent van Gogh in the artist's own words.

  
  

• Following Van Gogh: From Zundert to Auvers (available from www.waanders.nl) by Jack Nouws and Vincent van de Wijngaard (Waanders, 2003): Over the years there have been a number of "following in Van Gogh's footsteps" books. I recommend Priscilla Bain-Smith's book below for its specific focus on Paris. But of all the books that trace Van Gogh's footsteps none can compare to Following Van Gogh. This book focuses on each of the twenty-three locations Van Gogh lived throughout his life. Beautifully photographed by Van de Wijngaard this is a comprehensive exploration of the many villages and cities Van Gogh lived in.

  Following Van Gogh is superior to other books like it in that it's written in an engaging manner and is far more accurate and comprehensive than its predecessors. The book is well researched by Nouws (who himself hails from Zundert--Van Gogh's birth place) and, very importantly, it's completely up-to-date with regards to newly opened historical locations. While the book is excellent, I would only offer two small suggested changes (for the second edition perhaps?). Van de Wijngaard's photographs often don't match the chapter--in other words, a photograph of Isleworth will be found with the Paris chapter or a shot of the Borinage will appear in the Amsterdam chapter. In addition, a map of all the Van Gogh-specific locations would have been a handy accompaniment to each chapter. But these points are minor. This book is, without question, the best of its kind. For those interested in walking the same paths that Vincent van Gogh once did, visiting the same churches, drinking in the same cafes, Following Van Gogh is indispensable.

  (Available in three different languages: English, Dutch and French.)

  
  

• Van Gogh's Table at the Auberge Ravoux by Alexandra Leaf and Fred Leeman (Artisan, 2001): For much of his career as an artist Vincent van Gogh's diet was a poor one. At times he lived solely on bread and coffee--occasionally he went without food altogether, his money spent on art supplies or models. Can a book called Van Gogh's Table provide a substantial fare when Vincent's own table was often empty? Absolutely.

  Van Gogh's Table at the Auberge Ravoux is an engaging and entertaining exploration of Vincent van Gogh, his life and the cuisine of his time. The first half of the book, written by Fred Leeman (former chief curator of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam) follows Van Gogh's life--specifically focusing on the cafes and restaurants he frequented. As Vincent van Gogh's true potential as an artist blossomed, so too did his affinity toward the cafe world. For Van Gogh, the cafe was a place to socialize, argue, eat, drink and was often the subject of his most famous artworks (Cafe Terrace, Night Cafe and Restaurant de la Sirène at Asnières to name just three). Leeman's exploration of Van Gogh's life is extremely well written and is accompanied by superb illustrations.

  Part One of Van Gogh's Table concludes with an in-depth section by Julia Galousy of the history of the Auberge Ravoux, the inn where Van Gogh lived, took his meals and ultimately died in 1890. The inn, now owned by Belgian Dominique-Charles Janssens, welcomes visitors today--just as it did in Van Gogh's time--with an inviting atmosphere and traditional French cuisine. Galousy's piece is an excellent segue into the second half of the book, by Alexandra Leaf. Part Two is a delightful overview of French cuisine in the Auvers-sur-Oise region along with dozens of recipes.

  While it's true that Vincent van Gogh was malnourished for much of his last ten years, he was fortunate to find healthy food during his stay at the Ravoux Inn. Leaf discusses the types of fare Van Gogh would have eaten: cuisine populaire (traditional home-style cooking), cuisine du terroir (regional cooking) and cuisine bourgeoise (fancy home cooking). An interesting history of each type of cuisine is presented along with the accompanying recipes (such as "Rosemary Roast Chicken" or "Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce") that offer the reader a taste of the food Van Gogh himself might have enjoyed during his time in Auvers.

  Van Gogh's Table at the Auberge Ravoux is hugely enjoyable. It's beautifully researched and explores Van Gogh life (and, sadly, his final days at the Auberge Ravoux) in a highly interesting and always entertaining manner. Recommended.

  
  

• Starry Starry Night: Life and Psychiatric History of Vincent van Gogh by Erwin van Meekeren (Benecke, 2003): There have been a number of books written over the years focusing specifically on Van Gogh's mental and physical issues which lead to his self-mutilation, ongoing breakdowns and eventual suicide. The problem that many of these books have is that they come to the table with their own agenda. The psychological theorist with a specialty in the study of epilepsy can attribute Van Gogh's health issues to epilepsy; the theorist who specializes in manic depression insists on manic depression, etc.

  The greatest strength of Starry Starry Night is that the author, Erwin van Meekeren (a Dutch psychiatrist and specialist in borderline personality disorder) examines the topic thoroughly but keeps an open mind and doesn't jump to any unsupportable conclusions. While it's true that Van Meekeren does propose that Van Gogh suffered from borderline personality disorder (an unstable mental state characterized by depression, anxiety, confusion and several other symptoms), he does so in a purely speculative manner, while at the same time taking into account the many other factors that figure into the complex exploration of Van Gogh's health issues.

  So is it satisfying for the reader when the author doesn't come up with an all-encompassing, conclusive answer to the central question? Absolutely. The author takes a less dramatic, but far more accurate route in which he examines a variety of possibilities without citing any one as the ultimate answer. Van Meekeren himself cautions against those writers that "attribute everything to a single diagnosis, something that is often done by people who 'discover' the clinical picture of Vincent." Furthermore, Van Meekeren takes a rare, and very refreshing, approach by downplaying Vincent's "double" (the stillborn brother, Vincent, born exactly a year before the artist) as well as the ear incident (a small piece of the overall puzzle of Vincent van Gogh's mental health and far too sensationalized). Van Meekeren has done his homework and his book is very well researched. And, perhaps best of all, Van Meekeren takes the wisest path of all by depending mainly upon Vincent's letters to tell the story. How better to interpret the patient's illness than by analyzing the musings of the patient himself?

  Starry Starry Night could have been improved with a bit more editing. There are a few minor typographical mistakes and the graphs could have been better presented. The book's main weakness is an ongoing repetition of the biographical details of Van Gogh's life--the same incidents are mentioned in detail over and over. But these are minor criticisms. Starry Starry Night is an excellent overview of Vincent van Gogh's physical and mental problems and explores the issue in a scholarly but engaging and entertaining manner. Van Meekeren has done an admirable job of historical research and also in the objective diagnosis of a patient dead for more than 110 years. Not an easy task, and not always one undertaken successfully by others, but the author's work is commendable.

  
  

• Van Gogh's Peasant by Steven M. Ulmen (Publish America, 2004): This short story, inspired by one of Van Gogh's lesser known drawings, Peasant with Sickle, Seen from the Back, is a pleasant and low key depiction of an old farmer in the twilight years of his life. This story, while not specifically about Van Gogh at all, uses this simple and poignant drawing as the basis for a lyrical tale of the never-named farmer's lonely but satisfying life. Ulmen's story, with virtually no dialogue, is a study in understatement--a trait many aspiring writers should try to emulate.

  
  

• Catalogue of the Van Gogh Museum's Collection of Japanese Prints by Charlotte van Rappard-Boon, Willem van Gulik and Keiko van Bremen-Ito (Van Gogh Museum, 1991): A beautiful and definitive look at the impressive collection of Japanese prints held by the Van Gogh Museum. The prints belonged to Vincent and he held them in great value. Indeed, it's interesting to visit the third floor of the Van Gogh Museum to see the actual Japanese prints, along with Vincent own three beautiful Japonaiseries paintings. The reproductions in this book are outstanding.

  
  

• Portrait of Dr. Gachet: The Story of a Van Gogh Masterpiece by Cynthia Saltzman, (Viking, 1998): Saltzman's book, which follows the "travels" of one of Van Gogh's best known portraits over 100 years, is one of the best written, best researched works it's ever been my pleasure to read. Frankly, I found the level of detail and the depth of the research to be staggering. Saltzman traces the painting from its original owner, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger (Vincent's sister-in-law), to its subsequent hand-offs to a wide variety of collectors over the course of the next century. This journey spans the galleries of Paris through to its confiscation by the Nazis (who considered the work "degenerate") finally to its world-famous status as the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. Saltzman's book is a fascinating study of the Gachet portrait, but more to the point--it's a captivating study of art and its place within society throughout the twentieth century. Saltzman has done an outstanding job--highly recommended.

  
  

• The Van Gogh File: The Myth and the Man by Ken Wilkie (Souvenir Press Ltd., 2004): This book, by Scottish writer Ken Wilkie, has appeared in a number of forms over the years. In 1973 Wilkie was assigned by The Holland Herald to write an article about Van Gogh to mark the opening of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Wilkie's story was eventually published as a book under two different titles: In Search of Van Gogh and The Van Gogh Assignment. Fourteen years after the last edition, the latest version, The Van Gogh File, has been released.

  Ken Wilkie's book has received a great deal of attention over the years and for good reason. It's an interesting tale of searching for Vincent van Gogh through the people that knew him and the places he lived. Wilkie's dogged determination in seeking out undiscovered Van Gogh information has been fruitful. While searching for information about Van Gogh's time in England Wilkie uncovered a previously unknown early drawing by the artist: Vincent's Boarding House in Hackford Road, Brixton, London (update: this drawing was later determined not to be a genuine work by Vincent van Gogh). The Van Gogh File is an interesting and entertaining exploration of various periods in Van Gogh's life. Wilkie knows how to tell a tale: from being bashed over the head with a baguette by the current owner of Theo van Gogh's Paris apartment to scaling the walls of the asylum in Saint-Rémy in order to visit the artist's small room there.

  The Van Gogh File has been updated from its previous editions. Readers, however, may find some parts of Wilkie's book a bit anticlimactic. In the earlier editions Wilkie sought to prove that Van Gogh had a child with the prostitute Clasina Hoornik who lived with him in The Hague. Another set of clues lead Wilkie to believe that an unknown Van Gogh portrait is buried in a garden in Antwerp. Now, fourteen years since the last edition of this book came out, both issues remain unresolved.

  In addition, one aspect of The Van Gogh File I found a bit uncomfortable was Ken Wilkie's sense of entitlement when it comes to details about the Van Gogh family. Vincent's sister, Elisabeth, had a child out of wedlock in 1886. I admire Wilkie's tenaciousness in trying to uncover new details about a niece that Vincent van Gogh never knew, but occasionally his desire to plumb new depths in the Van Gogh saga cause him to lose sight of the fact that the Van Gogh family, however famous, is still entitled to their privacy. I discuss this difficult dilemma in an article "Am I Truly . . . . Your Sunshine? Privacy vs. History: Reflections on the Van Gogh Family Letters."

  But these are minor criticisms. I'm an admirer of Ken Wilkie and a new edition of his book is a welcome thing indeed. Wilkie's enthusiasm and passion for the subject are contagious which is why the previous versions and, no doubt, the current version have been so successful. Ken Wilkie's contributions to Van Gogh research over the years have been remarkable. His new book is highly recommended to Van Gogh enthusiasts young and old alike.

  
  

• Van Gogh and Millet, Louis van Tilborgh, editor (Waanders, n.d.): It's fairly safe to say that the works of Jean-François Millet influenced Van Gogh more profoundly than any other artist. Millet's poignant and beautiful portrayal of peasant life had a tremendous impact upon Van Gogh as his genius was developing. This book is an excellent and in-depth exploration focusing on Millet's influence on Van Gogh and comparing the works of the two painters.

  
  

• Van Gogh, Anna Torterolo (DK Art Books, 1999): For a smaller book designed to give a high level overview of Van Gogh's life and career as an artist, this book is surprisingly informative and well written. Van Gogh's life is covered in a well researched commentary and there are also sub-sections devoted specifically to "Masterpieces". The graphics are excellent and the analysis clear and concise. In terms of a good, brief overview of Vincent van Gogh, this book is first rate.

  
  

• Van Gogh: A Retrospective, edited by Susan Alyson Stein (Beaux Art Editions, 1986): This one is going to keep me busy for a long time. At first glance, this huge volume may seem like just another very nice coffee-table book. Don't be fooled. True, this gorgeous book does have hundreds of reproductions of Vincent's works, but its real appeal lies in the dozens of essays written by various scholars and art historians about Vincent and his contemporaries (there are submissions on Père Tanguy, the Neo-Impressionists, Van Gogh's influence on modern painting, etc., etc.). An extremely thorough and scholarly work (with an incredible foldout reproduction of Wheat Field with Crows).

  
  

• Van Gogh: The Passionate Eye by Pascal Bonafoux (Discoveries, 1992): This small book proved to be quite entertaining. In it you'll find a number of drawings and sketches, neglected by most of the "complete" books. It also has a number of small chapters which include information I've never come across before. For example, you'll find the one favourable critique published about Van Gogh's work while he was still alive: "The Isolated Ones: Vincent van Gogh" by G.-Albert Aurier (January, 1890). Incredible that Aurier was able to really grasp Van Gogh's genius when so few others could. Also incredible is just how badly written the essay is: long, boring, pedantic--the man didn't know how to punctuate--it's just one long sentence. Still, reading it was entertaining and insightful all the same.

  
  

• Van Gogh in Arles by Alfred Nemeczek (Prestel, 1995): I just received this book for Christmas this year and, though I haven't had the chance to read it yet, I'm very much looking forward to it since it focuses on my own personal favourite period of Van Gogh's life and work.

  
  

• Van Gogh: The History and Techniques of the Great Masters by William Hardy (Quantum, 1997): If you're looking for a basic, straightforward overview of Van Gogh's artistic techniques, then this is a fairly good book. Ten works, spanning Van Gogh's ten year career, are examined and discussed in terms of their composition and overall artistic execution. Not a scholarly book by any means (and there's nothing wrong with that), but a good overview with some excellent extreme close ups of the brushstrokes.

  
  

• In the Footsteps of Van Gogh by Gilles Plazy (Penguin Studio Books, 1997): This entertaining book is well written and has some wonderful photographs (by Jean-Marie del Moral) of the various locations where Van Gogh lived and worked. I bought this book in anticipation of future vacations when I'll follow in Van Gogh's footsteps myself. The book is a bit disjointed (it doesn't follow Vincent's life in chronological order) and it would be nice if some of the unusual facts I read had referential footnotes, but still--it's quite enjoyable and I'd definitely recommend it.

  
  

• The Van Gogh Museum Journal (Waanders, pub.): The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam produces this (usually annual) series of books which are an absolutely fascinating compilation of articles about Van Gogh, his works and the other various holdings in the vast collection of the Van Gogh Museum. Examples of the manuscripts in these journals include "Radiographic images of Vincent van Gogh's paintings", "Strands interlacing: colour theory, education and play in the work of Vincent van Gogh" and "'Our crown and our honour and our joy': Theo Van Gogh's Early years". These journals, though of great interest to any Van Gogh enthusiast, might be difficult to find in your local bookstore. You can, however, order The Van Gogh Museum Journal directly from the publisher:

  Waanders Uitgeverers
  P.O. Box 1129
  8001 BC Zwolle
  The Netherlands

  
  

• Vincent van Gogh: Painter, Printmaker, Collector (Norton Simon Museum, 1990): As with the activity pack mentioned below I also picked this book (well, it's more of a booklet really) at the excellent bookshop in the Norton Simon Museum. It gives a good, brief overview of Vincent's life and work and then goes on to look specifically at the six beautiful Van Gogh paintings which are part of the Norton Simon's collection.

  
  

• The Yellow House at Arles: Gauguin / Van Gogh by Dennis Hayes and Richard Payne (Playwrights Canada, 1984): An interesting play about Van Gogh and Gauguin's time together in Arles in late 1888. This work, which was first performed in 1983 at the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto is quite effective in capturing the turbulent nature of the Van Gogh/Gauguin relationship. Well researched, the play occasionally becomes too mired in grating theatrical devices, but interesting and entertaining all the same.

  
  

• Van Gogh Walks . . . Paris by Priscilla Bain-Smith (Elpub, 2003): Vincent van Gogh's two years in Paris, from early 1886 to 1888 are arguably the most pivotal in terms of his development as an artist. The Paris of the mid to late-nineteenth century was a Mecca for artists who went there to hone their craft and learn from each other's ongoing creative struggles. In Paris Van Gogh's palette came to life. In this book, author Priscilla Bain-Smith takes the reader to Vincent's Paris. She explores the streets of Paris and discovers many of the places that played an important role in Van Gogh's life. From the shop of Père Tanguy who displayed Vincent's paintings to Theo's apartment (or rather, the five apartments Theo rented in Paris), this book is a thoroughly enjoyable exploration of twenty-first century Paris--while keeping a firm foothold in the 1880s. Van Gogh Walks . . . Paris includes maps, hotel recommendations and pages for the reader to take notes during their own explorations of the City of Light.

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