Vincent van Gogh’s letters are an exceptionally vivid and moving testimony to the artist’s struggle to survive and work. They have always been widely read but this book’s combination of letters and illustrations gives an intimate insight into the painter’s daily domestic life in Arles and Saint-Remy, his spiritual torment and the process of artistic creation itself.

Vincent tells his own story of his most creative period. The book includes important letters to Gauguin and his brother. The selection is profusely illustrated throughout with his paintings, drawings and facsimile letters, many of which contain revealing sketches of his work in progress.

Dr Martin Bailey’s introduction provides essential background information about Vincent’s early life, setting the period in Provence in perspective. It deals in particular with Vincent’s relationship with his family, especially brother Theo, who was the closest companion and the recipient of most of he surviving letters from Provence. Biographical notes about him and all the other recipients are provided as well as a guide for visitors to those places painted by Van Gogh.