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A new study of Van Gogh’s passion for books, taking the reader on an artistic-literary journey through Vincent’s favourite authors and works of literature
See InsideOverview
Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) was famously driven by his passion for God, for art – and for books. Vincent’s life with books is examined here chapter by chapter, from his early adulthood, when he considered becoming a pastor, to his decision to be a painter, to the end of his life. He moved from Holland to Paris to Provence; at each moment, ideas he encountered in books defined and guided his thoughts and his life. Vincent’s letters to his brother refer to at least 200 authors. Books and readers – whether dreaming or deeply absorbed – are frequent subjects of his paintings.
Vincent not only read fiction, he also knew many works of art from detailed descriptions and illustrations in monographs, biographies and museum guides. Always keeping up to date, he never missed the latest literary and artistic magazines. This thought-provoking and original study takes the reader on an artistic-literary journey through Vincent’s discoveries, his favourite authors and best-loved books, revealing a continuous dialogue between his own work, the artists and the authors who inspired him, and giving life to his comment: ‘Books and reality and art are the same kind of thing for me.’
Product Information
Book Details
Format: Hardback
Size: 22.9 x 15.2 cm
Extent: 232 pp
Publication date: 2 July 2020
ISBN: 9780500094129
Contents List
Introduction • 1. From Preacher to Painter • 2. Art and Life • 3. Peasant Painter • 4. The City of Light • 5. In Provence • 6. Vincent and the Reader • 7. Vincent: A Reader for All Times
About the Author
Mariella Guzzoni is an independent scholar and translator living in Bergamo. She has been collecting editions of the books that Vincent van Gogh read and loved for many years, and curated the exhibition ‘Van Gogh’s Passion for Books’ at the Sormani Library, Milan, in 2015.
