Vincent's Books: Van Gogh and the Writers Who Inspired Him Hardcover – March 10, 2020

Prior to reading this book, I had no idea that Van Gogh was not just a painter, but an autodidact, educating himself through books that moved him and that aligned with the way he saw the world. The stacks of books that appear in his still lives were often the books he was reading, and engravings from newspapers and books also contributed to Van Gogh's choice of subject matter. Van Gogh's painting of the Tarascon Diligence (a passenger coach) drew inspiration from THE TARTARIN OF TARASCON, written by Alphonse Daudet and published in 1872. (The book has a tiny image of the coach. Van Gogh's painting is on the left.) The side-by-side images in this liberally illustrated volume led to many "aha" moments. I highly recommend this book to all those who love Van Gogh's work and who want to understand the influences that led him to break away from "establishment art" and strike out on his own.

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book about something I personally did not know about Vincent Van Gogh, that he was an avid reader and his art was greatly influenced by what he was reading at the time.I highly recommend this book. Well done indeed.

Excellent read provides insight into literature that influenced Van Gogh”s Art. Provided an additional perspective in understanding the artist and history.

An excellent book on the literary and cultural inspirations for the life and art of Vincent van Gogh.Mariella Guzzoni is a refined and knowledgeable guide to the books and authors that influenced this master artist. She has produced a pleasant and informative book that will be enjoyed by anyone with an ounce of interest in van Gogh and the culture of the late 19th century.As van Gogh himself said of a book he was recommending to another, "You'll find it beautiful."