The Van Gogh File: The Myth and the Man

by Kenneth Wilkie

Incorporating recent discoveries about Vincent Van Gogh's life and work, including the only photograph of him as an adult, this updated biography investigates the creativity, successes, and frustrations of one of the world's most famous painters. With evidence accumulated from Van Gogh's European life, from Belgium, the Netherlands, England, and France, this illuminating account reveals sources of his unhappiness, terrible childhood illnesses, personal relationships, and even introduces his possible grandchildren. Fully illustrated with more than 50 photographs and art reproductions, these new facts show the seeds of Van Gogh's inspiration and shine light on one of the most enigmatic figures of 19th-century art.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

226 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[John Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly fascinating and very readable: a page-turning account of the author’s investigations into Vincent’s life and work. Wilkie, something of an art detective, began exploring from the 1970s onwards, searching for material evidence of the artist’s life. As well as travelling around the Netherlands, Belgium and Paris his searches take him to England too. He makes some very interesting and important discoveries. A very attractive volume enhanced by many illustrations/photographs.

Highly recommended and one I would choose to re-read.

[Alison Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly engrossing book. I have a lot of personal interest in Van Gogh, but I think I would have enjoyed it regardless. Van Gogh was such a complex person that his life story is really interesting to read about.

[Norla Chee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never expected to be so engrossed in Van Gogh's life. Fascinating details and intrigue. If I had read this as a child, then been asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, I would have said a researcher. And so much mystery remains.

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the 1970s, Ken Wilkie went on a tour of some of the places and met some of the people, or their descendents, visited by Vincent himself. In doing so, he uncovered not only a drawing made by The Man himself, but some other family secrets which, when exposed, shed light on much of the mystery surrounding the genius artist and his family. This book reads like a whodunnit and I couldn't put it down. When I finished reading it, I realized that Vincent van Gogh was more or less a regular guy but at the same time he was someone incredibly special, just like a lot of other "normal" people with unusual talents or ambitions and drive. If you want to get to know the artist better, read this book. Ken gets behind the myth and uncovers the man, warts and all.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Van Gogh lovers will genuinely enjoy journalist Ken Wilkie's biography of Van Gogh. Beginning in 1972, Mr. Wilkie interviewed many people in Holland, Belgium, England and France that either knew Vincent Van Gogh or are descended from individuals who knew Van Gogh. In an interview with a descendant of Van Gogh's personal physician and a look through medical records, I believe Mr. Wilkie reveals the true cause of Van Gogh's mental illness, which is something the Van Gogh family downplayed out of embarrassment. This book also contains the only known photograph of Van Gogh as an adult, in 1886.

[Lisbeth Foye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lived this book all the way through alongside Ken Wilkie's words, I envy him sleeping with his head on the pillow beneath which he placed the small drawing made by Vincent. I have read almost every book written about Vincent- especially early 1990s when everyone seemed to write about him for the centenary celebrations - out of them all, this was my favourite.

[baseball mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on van Gogh! Great research!