Van Gogh: The Asylum Year / by Edwin Mullins

[Kim Allen Scott]

There is a reminder in this lovely book of why so many people are Van Gogh fans; he is the most accessible of artists because we know so much about him.  His incredible output on canvas is matched only by the number of his personal letters that have survived, most written to his brother and benefactor, Theo.  This is especially true for the months leading to his untimely death when Vincent, after a terrible incident of self-mutilation, realized he needed the shelter of a hospital for the mentally disturbed and committed himself to one at Saint Remy, France.  It was here that he painted some of his most stunning work, and it has been reproduced in this handsome volume in connection with the letters which describe the art.  You hear from his own voice what was on his mind as he painted, what he was trying to show, and what we should look for in the beautiful legacy he left us.  What also shines through the pages of this book is the awful, searing pain that Vincent endured, pain that led to such masterpieces as "The Starry Night."  I highly recommend this book, not only for its prose, but its outstanding reproductions of the works from many museums that are lucky enough to display Vincent's work.

[Karen Redlich]

Thanks Kim for your excellent review.

I am going to read this as I really like Van Gogh's work but know so little about the man himself and what he went through. So few of us would associate "Starry Starry Night" with pain! Out of 5, how many stars would you rate this book?

Karen :-)