Overview

One of the most important and powerful works in the literature of art, this critically acclaimed classic is now available in a boxed set edition with all the original text and illustrations. Articulate, intimate, written with honest directness, these letters lay bare the events of van Gogh's dramatic life, providing remarkable insights into the creative process and touching revelations of his personal anguish. The Complete Letters of Vincent van Gogh was first published by New York Graphic Society in 1958. Surely among the most distinguished books ever published, it is still the only complete edition of the letters in English. Illustrated by the more than two hundred ink drawings the artist sketched into his letters, the collection has been the source of numerous biographical and fictional works, but none has matched the intensity of the original material. Most of the letters were written to the artist's brother, Theo, and it was Theo's son, Vincent, who acted as consulting editor for the publication. A touching memoir by Theo's wife serves as the introduction.

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9780821226308

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Had van Gogh been only a mediocre artist, these letters would have assured him a place in literature, for they are written with a power, intensity, and insight rare even among the great writers. -- Los Angeles Times

Had van Gogh been only a mediocre artist, these letters would have assured him a place in literature, for they are written with a power, intensity, and insight rare even among the great writers. <p>-- Los Angeles Times

Author Information

Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) was born near Brabant, the son of a minister. Largely self-taught as an artist, he moved to Paris in 1886 and lived with his devoted brother, Theo, who as a dealer introduced him to artists like Gauguin, Pissarro, Toulouse-Lautrec and Seurat. In 1888, he moved to Arles hoping to establish an artists' colony. He was joined briefly by Gauguin in October 1888, but the visit was not a success. A final argument led to the infamous episode in which van Gogh mutilated his ear. In 1889 he became a voluntary patient at the St. Remy asylum, where he continued to paint. He moved to Auvers to be closer to Theo in 1890. He died, having sold only one work, following a botched suicide attempt.

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