Hans Luijten Bücher

This captivating collection of Vincent van Gogh’s letters opens a window into the mind of one of history’s greatest artists. Giving rare insight into his complicated relationships with family, friends, and other fellow artists, the letters describe his personal doubts, fears, and above all his overriding passion for his art. Introductions by the letters editors from the Van Gogh Museum highlight the most recent discoveries and theories surrounding Van Gogh’s work and personal history. Illustrated with original manuscript letters, sketches, paintings, and photographs of correspondents, this book brings Van Gogh’s story and work to life. Vincent van Gogh: A Life in Letters is a valuable personal introduction to the artist’s life and work, with illuminating commentaries by experts on the subject.

Little known but no less influential, Jo van Gogh-Bonger (1862-1925) was the wife of Theo and sister-in-law of Vincent van Gogh. When the brothers died soon after each other, she took charge of van Gogh's artistic legacy in 1891 and devoted the rest of her life to disseminating his work. She published his letters, organised exhibitions in the Netherlands and throughout the world, and made strategic sales to private individuals and influential dealers. Her efforts were crucial to the reputation of Van Gogh's art, but she also led an interesting life in other respects. Not only was she friends with eminent writers and artists, she was active within the Social Democratic Workers' Party and closely involved in emerging women's movements. Using rich source material, including unseen diaries, documents and letters, Hans Luijten charts the multi-faceted life of this driven woman who made a bold impact in a male-dominated world at the turn of the 20th century. His lovingly written biography also sheds new light on the complex history of public appreciation for Vincent van Gogh.