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A review by kazaan
Van Gogh: The Life by Steven Naifeh, Gregory White Smith
1.0
Many people gave this book 5 stars in part b/c they were so impressed with its level of detail. I, too, am impressed with the copious amount of detailed research that went into such a lengthy biography. But when that level of research fails to lead to an understanding of the subject as a whole, what good is it?
Who can say that they did not suffer emotional heartbreaks in their youth? Or pursue jobs at which they were not successful? Who can say that they never had a friendship fade or suffer the heartbreak of unrequited love? Who can say that they did not struggle in their desire to please a parent? The authors condemn poor Vincent as a failure in all endeavors. They see nothing but a madman, failure, and misanthrope, while ignoring his true essence. They ignore what made him one of our greatest artists.
I suggest that anyone interested in Van Gogh read his letters. They are beautifully written and offer amazing access to his thoughts, hopes, and motivations. They show great passion, sensitivity, and a moral center, a desire to do great work and a boundless love. They provide a much needed counterweight to the misanthropic, delusional man presented in this biography.
Who can say that they did not suffer emotional heartbreaks in their youth? Or pursue jobs at which they were not successful? Who can say that they never had a friendship fade or suffer the heartbreak of unrequited love? Who can say that they did not struggle in their desire to please a parent? The authors condemn poor Vincent as a failure in all endeavors. They see nothing but a madman, failure, and misanthrope, while ignoring his true essence. They ignore what made him one of our greatest artists.
I suggest that anyone interested in Van Gogh read his letters. They are beautifully written and offer amazing access to his thoughts, hopes, and motivations. They show great passion, sensitivity, and a moral center, a desire to do great work and a boundless love. They provide a much needed counterweight to the misanthropic, delusional man presented in this biography.