The Letters of Paul Cézanne

by Alex Danchev

The long-awaited, fresh and accurate new translation of the correspondence of Paul Cézanne. For this richly-illustrated edition, Alex Danchev has gone back to the original manuscripts, clearing up decades of questionable scholarship. Cézanne was a singular thinker and an uncompromising seeker after artistic truth qualities that shine through in the letters which reveal the mans very human hopes and fears as he strove to harness his artistic passion. The result is a collection of over 250 letters, written to family, friends, fellow artists and dealers, and many major cultural figures of the late nineteenth century.

Genres: Art, France, Biography, Nonfiction

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Alex Danchev was Professor of International Relations at the University of Nottingham, and a long-standing friend of the Tate in London, where he has been a member of the Acquisition Committee of the Patrons of New Art.

His interests wandered across the borders of art, politics, and military history although his focus is chiefly biographical.

His biography of the philosopher-statesman Oliver Franks (Oxford University Press, 1993) was on the Observer's 'Books of the Year' and his biography of the military writer Basil Liddell Hart (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1998) was listed for the Whitbread Prize for Biography and the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction.

His unexpurgated edition of the Alanbrooke Diaries (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2001) was listed for the W.H. Smith Prize for Biography. In 2009 he published On Art and War and Terror, a collection of essays on the most difficult issues of our age and, in particular, the nature of humanity in times of conflict.

Reviews

[Manuel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uff das Buch war so langweilig… ich musste das für meine Facharbeit und frage mich immer noch, wie sich Leute für sowas interessieren können.

[Cornelius Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

During his lifetime, Cezanne had already become fabled, one critic in 1894 describing him as "a man who has lived and lives a fine interior novel, haunted by the demon of art." Now, more than a century after his death, this scrupulously-produced book brings to life the man in harmony with the genius. Until their falling out in 1886 most of the letters are to Emile Zola, and this portrait of a great friendship is utterly captivating. Other addresses include Impressionists Pissarro and Monet, and many writers and artists notable in their day, as well as anonymous colour merchants and whatnot. Family letters allow us into the inner sanctum of the painter's life, and there are two letters written by Cezanne's wife, Hortense, that challenge the unflattering picture of this woman that has germinated over the years. Thames & Hudson are to be congratulated for the care that has gone into this magnificent volume; binding and paper exquisite, illustrations chosen with intelligence, and reproductions of the actual letters that go as far as possible towards placing them in our hands. This is the kind of publication that argues strongly for the continued existence of the book as artefact.

[Chris Pelzer]

As interesting as your interest in Cezanne.

[David Pederson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compilation brings me closer to the artist I wish was here with me today. I would have loved to be his friend, and these letters helped me enjoy that fantasy.

[Charlie Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.

Finishing this hurt. Bleugh... Review soon :(

[Susanna Spacek · Rating 4 out of 5]

These letters paint an insightful portrait of Cezanne in his life-long pursuit of self-expression. They are beautifully translated, and conveyed through wonderful nineteenth eloquence and candid and occasionally humorous phraseology. The different tones of youth, middle age and old age give dimension to the journey of the artist.

[Timothy Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had the undesired effect of slightly reducing my admiration for one of my favourite artists and in many ways I wish I hadn't read these letters. He was a bit of a blowhard. On the other hand, my admiration for Zola went up and up.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

only read Letters to Young Friends & Letters About Painting 1894-1906

[Leopard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone who really wants to know who Cézanne was. I got so many insights into the man and his life. very enjoyable.