Books About Van Gogh:
from Basics to Deep Dives
It feels like there are countless books about Van Gogh, as well as films, academic insights and even novels. One might wonder why anyone bothers to keep putting them out, hasn't it all been written about before? But that's the thing, Van Gogh's legacy is so complex and rich that it continues to provide so much content for people to discover, have new perspectives on and keep debating.
Van Gogh Books: 'still life' into 'action art' - courtesy of the cat!This list of books was collected on my journey exploring the life and art of Van Gogh, from novice to themed deep dives, so may be of help to others, overwhelmed by the plethora of books available, wondering where to start.
Book Categories
Because of his rich legacy, you will find all kinds of books about Van Gogh falling into the following categories:
Biographies
Vincent van Gogh is one of the most biographied artists in history, with titles like Van Gogh: The Life by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith providing one of the more current, in-depth explorations of his life, struggles, and art.
Letter Compilations
Thankfully, Vincent was a prolific letter writer and his sister-in-law, Jo van Gogh-Bonger, had the foresight to translate and publish the letters that Vincent wrote to her husband Theo, along with those from other people, so that we have quite a unique glimpse into Vincent's personal life, thoughts and evolution of his artwork that we wouldn't otherwise have. There is a huge, very expensive collection of his letters - out of the reach of most of us reading this I'd imagine - but a far more affordable classic is still a chunky book by Penguin, The Letters of Vincent van Gogh.
Mental Health
As you might imagine, several books about Van Gogh focus on his mental health challenges, such as Van Gogh’s Ear by Bernadette Murphy, which digs into the mystery and tragic events of his life, including his famous act of self-harm. This is the audiobook I started with, meticulously researched and fascinating to listen to/read. I find it interesting though to read back on older books as to "What was up with Van Gogh?" because despite all the analysis people still don't seem to agree, which I find curious.
Art Analysis
There is so much to examine with Vincent's art, so many nooks and crannies to delve into, because despite only turning to drawing, then painting, so late in life, and not having his own money but relying on supplies from Theo, he was very, very prolific and produced an enormous treasure trove of work in that time. This naturally lends itself to books exploring specific themes in his work, delving deeply into how his art reflected his moods and life transitions, as well as around his time in England, nature, flowers, his time in Arles, Auvers, "the asylum" etc. They also tend to provide some really wonderful large images, which is what you want in a book about art!
Cultural Impact
This is where it gets really interesting because I don't believe other famous artists continue to influence culture as much as Van Gogh. As well as all the factual books, there are even novels, such as Lust for Life by Irving Stone, which dramatise his passionate, troubled existence (this kind of fiction isn't really my thing to be honest, but time may tell) and even children’s books, with adorable book covers, inspired by his life and art to introduce the next generations to Vincent van Gogh.
Books About Van Gogh, by Date of Publication
The Van Gogh books listed here are my own, from basic beginner information to more in-depth deep dives into particular facets of his life or work.
- It all started with Van Gogh's Ear, an audiobook I listened to during lockdown, and which I recently bought in paperback, secondhand.
- Most were secondhand bargains, saving a significant amount on the brand-new versions and adding to the fun.
- My first physical book about Van Gogh was a very special treat, after my first ever "how to paint like Van Gogh" class. It was a beast: 2 thick volumes of the complete works, everything together, from start to finish, so I could appreciate how his style evolved (and was shocked to see that it was pretty grim in the beginning, far from the colours he's known for!).
1. The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh, 1914
An essential, from the man himself (albeit interpreted and 'selected' letters).
Author: Vincent van Gogh, edited by Ronald de Leeuw.
Publication Date: 1914 (original), 1996 (Penguin Classics edition)
Summary: Originally published in 1914, this book compiles selected letters from Vincent to his brother Theo, offering a glimpse into his thoughts on art, his emotional struggles, and his personal philosophy. Includes a handy chronological timeline, introduction, summary of chapters and notes.
2. A Memoir of Vincent van Gogh, 1914
Hidden gem, had this a while before reading it but glad I did! What a revealing little book, gave quite a different perspective.
Author: Jo Bonger, in December 1913, introduction by Martin Gayford
Publication Date: 1914 (original), 2018
Summary: Jo Bonger, the wife of Theo van Gogh, provides a deeply personal account of Vincent's life and the bond between the brothers, making it an essential read for understanding Van Gogh's story.
3. Stranger on the Earth: A Psychological Biography of Vincent van Gogh, 1972
As a psychology graduate, I wanted the insight of a professional who knew their stuff when it came to views on Vincent's mental health: this is written by a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University, and a psychoanalyst, however, it was written in 1972... Even so, it's still more current than a diagnosis from the late 1800s, even if slightly outdated (and the same age as me!).
Author: Albert Lubin
Publication: 1972 (original) reproduced 1996
Summary: Delves into the psychological makeup of Van Gogh, offering a nuanced look at his mental health struggles.
4. Vincent van Gogh on Location, 1980
Author: Denis Thomas
Summary: Landscapes that inspired Van Gogh’s most iconic works across France and the Netherlands, exploring the locations that influenced his paintings and shedding light on how his environment shaped his art.
5. What Makes a Van Gogh a Van Gogh, 1993
Author: Richard Muhlberger
Summary: An engaging introduction to what makes Van Gogh’s style unique, suited for younger readers or beginners and helps to define his signature artistic features.
6. Van Gogh: The Complete Paintings (Volume I & II), 1993
First book about Van Gogh that I "invested in", meaning it was pricey even secondhand but I wanted to see everything together in an art timeline.
Author: Ingo F. Walther, Rainer Metzger, Taschen
Summary: A comprehensive collection with detailed commentary and high-quality reproductions of Van Gogh’s work.
7. Van Gogh (Taschen), 1993
Same authors but bigger book than above, so bigger reproductions which is probably what I was looking for, but far fewer artworks.
- Author: Rainer Metzger, Ingo F. Walther
- Summary: Condensed but comprehensive guide to the artist's life and work. Great quality paintings and detailed commentary, as you'd expect from Taschen, exploring both the personal story and the unique artistic vision.
8. Eyewitness Guides: Van Gogh, 2001
Visually delightful, as you'd expect from Dorling Kindersley, bursting with all the basics and artefacts at your fingertips, presented in the customary DK way.
Author: Bruce Bernard, Dorling Kindersley
Summary: A visual delight that offers a richly illustrated look at Van Gogh's life, an excellent introduction for young readers or those wanting an accessible overview.
9. Van Gogh: The Life, 2011
This is one substantial book! Very chunky - almost a thousand pages - described as "this generation's definitive portrait", that brings a "new and sympathetic understanding" in the first "serious, ambitious examination" for over 70 years.
Author: Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith
Summary: A comprehensive biography that paints a vivid portrait of Van Gogh’s life, based on extensive research and new insights.
10. Van Gogh Up Close, 2012
Bought to examine the detail in paintings, since I get such a buzz from that!
Author: Cornelia Homburg
Summary: Focuses on Van Gogh’s close-up compositions and his interest in the natural world, featuring incredible reproductions of his paintings.
11. Van Gogh's Ear, 2016
First book I bought, but as an audiobook, and wanted a physical copy for the images referred to, and to commemorate the first real step into this journey. Plus I just like the feel of books!
Author: Bernadette Murphy
Summary: New insights into the infamous incident of Van Gogh cutting off his ear, revealing the mystery and reality behind it.
12 Vincent van Gogh: The Starry Night, 2018
Author: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Introduction by Richard Thomson
Summary: An in-depth exploration of one of Van Gogh’s most famous works, The Starry Night. It includes essays by art historians, providing context about the circumstances under which Van Gogh painted it, and a detailed analysis of the techniques and emotions that define this iconic piece. This is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the depth and impact of The Starry Night.
13. The Joy of Nature, 2018
A gift that made me realise I love yellow, you'll see why if you get it, and inspired the painting of my house.
Author: David Hockney, Van Gogh
Summary: David Hockney explores his connection to nature with parallels drawn to Van Gogh, and how it influences his vibrant and colourful work. Inspired by Van Gogh's fascination with the natural world, Hockney’s book presents a visual journey through landscapes, capturing the beauty of changing seasons and light with multiple large images of Van Gogh paintings.
14. Starry Night: Van Gogh at the Asylum, 2018
Wondering what effect being in an asylum had on Van Gogh and his work? He painted some of his most well-known masterpieces here. Large artwork and close-ups, plus interesting artefacts which appeal to people like me!
Author: Martin Bailey
Summary: Focuses on Van Gogh’s year at the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, in Saint-Remy-de-Provance, after leaving the yellow house in Arles and the ear incident. It examines the impact of that year, May 1889 to 1890 on his life and artwork, including the infamous Starry Night, which is the painting that gets many people hooked.
15. Van Gogh and the Artists He Loved, 2021
For when you're wondering "where did Van Gogh get his inspiration from?"
Author: Steven Naifeh
Summary: Explores the influence of other artists on Van Gogh’s work, examining the works that shaped the development of his distinctive style. A beautifully illustrated exploration of his inspirations, in a large hefty book.
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Disclaimer
I'm an enthusiast who enjoys going down rabbit holes researching the details.
I like to illustrate events and letters using AI, bringing to life what we can only imagine.
Themed artwork and merch contribute to the "microdoses of aesthetics" that bring me joy.