Vincent van Gogh

by Elizabeth Ripley, Vincent van Gogh (Drawings)

Elizabeth Ripley tells a warm, understanding story of the great artist Vincent van Gogh. His arduous life, his struggles against poverty, his determination to continue painting despite lack of recognition, are discussed with dignity and empathy. Much of the story is told by van Gogh himself, as his personality authentically emerges through letters written to family and friends.

All paintings are in full color, with a few extra sketches and paintings new to this edition.

Genres: Art

70 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1954

Reviews

[Christine Kallner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave it to Purple House Press to re-publish books I didn’t even know existed, but now can’t imagine not having in our home library! At library sales and thrift stores, I am always attracted to and collect art books for “someday” in our homeschool. But art is also a subject I’m interested in learning more about myself, yet I never quite get around to reading more about it. I added this book and the one about Reubens to my last Purple House order, also for “someday,” but after listening to a podcast episode about this series, I decided to just pick it up and give it a try. The manageable length (short, but not TOO short), brilliant colors, and engaging narrative style make this an all-around winner. Much of the text is drawn from Vincent’s prolific letters which really bring his story to life. It’s a biography, but each episode in his life is illustrated by a particular painting, so his life and work are beautifully intertwined. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!

Note: if you have any passing knowledge about Vincent’s life, you may know it includes much darkness (the ear, how he dies, etc.) This is addressed, but not in a gratuitous or graphic way. You may want to read ahead to be prepared if reading with kids though.

[theclimbingrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much, Jill (Purple House Press), for republishing this book with Van Gogh’s beautiful paintings in colour! The reprint is very well done with thoughtful updates and details included and I finally know more about Van Gogh’s life beyond the darkness we had all heard about. Theo’s support of his brother is an inspiration to us and I really appreciated the theme of how loving generosity bears good fruit in good time.

[Lara Lleverino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and accessible book for introducing Van Gogh and some of his art to children.