Van Gogh: His Life and His Art

Out of curiosity I started reading Van Gogh's abridged letters (Dear Theo) and got confused who the main characters were in his life. So I bought this biog on a whim . . . and couldn't put it down. I even cried at the end. Sweetman is a terrific writer. He helped me figure out not only the difference between "K" and "Cent" and "Sein" and the artists he hung with and the Doctors who attended him off and on throughout his tortured life, but Sweetman helped me make sense of impressionism and post impressionism, the "solon" system which made the independent galleries so radical (and necessary) and much more. Despite the inclusion of great photos of many of Van Gogh's drawings and paintings, like the letters, this book is best read if one has a picture collection close by so one knows what painting is being discussed. Interestingly, VVG chronicled his life in such detail that biographers like Sweetman can easily track his whereabouts for nearly all of his 37 years. Sweetman distills the 600+ letters in which VVG ruminated to his brother Theo about art, women, religion, poverty, color, what the grass looked like after a rain, etc etc etc. Great job, Sweetman! Thank you.

I read this book several years ago and it taught me so much about art, life, love and passion that Sweetman's biography resonates in me still. Vincent is the most famous artist on the planet today and so much has been written about him. But David Sweetman really took the time to update so much information - just as he did in Gauguin's biography - that you learn so much more by reading this book. I recommend it to everyone who wants to understand about mental illness and all the stigma that goes with it. Vincent was very brave to rise above his pain and blessed the world with so much beauty and colour. This text refers to the hardcover book.

If you want to know Vincent... this is the best book out there. Sweetman is thorough and empathetic and like the Don McLean song, lovingly writes through Vincent's eyes.

The review above is absolutely right. This is one of the best biographies of Van Gogh out there. Sweetman's approach is thoughtful and well researched. This biography has proven to be an invaluable reference for my own Van Gogh research. I hope that the publisher of this book will consider reprinting it. It's a real shame that Sweetman's excellent book isn't easily available to anyone interested in Vincent van Gogh's life and art.

I read just about every biography of Vincent van Gogh I can get my hands on, and this is by far one of if not the best I've ever come across. David Sweetman writes with a thoughful consideration to the life of Vincent beyond the popular label of a "mad genius" and delves into the soul of this brilliant man. Vincent was a generous, loving human being with such capacity for giving that he bewildered those around him, that he was mistaken as insane, and cast aside. Mr. Sweetman does not dwell uneccesarily on the events which biographers today are so captivated by-the ear thing, the Gauguin thing, etc. This was a man who tried to find his place in the world as a not just a painter, but hopefully a husband and father, as well. This book brings to light the devotion of Theo, and, after Vincent's and her husband's deaths, the devotion of Jo. The surprising friendship of Signac, and the not so surprising mental instability of the Dr. Gachet. It is a shame that this book is out print, because it is a fascinating read for not only lovers of Vincent, for readers of biographies in general. It is well worth the search.