Van Gogh: A Life in Letters & Art

by Rosalind Ormiston

Vincent van Gogh is considered one of the world's greatest painters, his work having had a huge and far-reaching influence on 20th-century art as well as remaining visually and emotionally powerful to this day. We all know of Van Gogh's troubled genius, but now through his letters to his brother Theo, as discussed in this beautifully illustrated and fascinating giftbook, you will discover the true depth of the artist's thoughts, beliefs, ambitions and his struggle with his mental illness. Containing translations of some of the most revealing letters and insightful commentary, alongside photographs of the letters themselves and his best-loved artworks, this is a real treat.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

Published June 15, 2011

Reviews

[Paul Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Vincent van Gogh book I ever saw because you never saw half of these (at least 190) pictures before, so on every other page there is a full-colour gasp! wow! effect for all you Vincentistas. So I'm just saying that if you're looking for a Christmas prezzie for anyone of that persuasion, this is the one.

[Damien Lutheran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful book. The reproduction of the pictures are vibrant and jump off the page. The narrative is intelligently selected throughout the book from the letters of Vincent, Theo, and others. One great book!

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book including paintings Van Gogh was working on along with letters he wrote about the paintings at the time he was working on or just completing them. So amazing. Most of the letters are to his brother, Theo, who was his greatest supporter and other letters were to art dealers, Theo's wife, and Gaugin, another talented painter who was famous in his own right. I was excited to purchase this book because my very special uncle told me years ago about an amazing exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago that consisted of paintings by Van Gogh and Gaugin. Alongside those paintings were letters the two wrote to each other about the paintings they were working on as well as sketches leading up to the paintings. What an amazing story and exhibit. My uncle said the exhibit was genius and I remember longing to have had the opportunity to see that exhibit. Because of that, when I came across this book, I was thrilled.

[Serene May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff

[Gin · Rating 5 out of 5]

VINCENT & THEO YOU WILL ALWAYS BE FAMOUS