Vincent Van Gogh (First Book)
Category: Books,Arts & Photography
Vincent Van Gogh (First Book) Details
From School Library Journal Grade 4-8-- Readers will be drawn to this biography first by the attractive format, with the artist's self-portrait on the cover, and then by the well-designed pages with clear print, spacious margins, and plentiful reproductions of his work. Moreover, once they begin the story of Van Gogh's tempestuous, increasingly tragic life, their interest will be held by Lucas's ability to imbue Van Gogh with feelings and opinions, developing his character and personality. The fictionalizing is subtle; there is no invented dialogue, but the facts of his life are translated into story: "Vincent was eager to learn," "Vincent felt empty and alone," or "Vincent wanted to conquer his illness." His difficulty with relationships and his increasing mental instability are told with sensitivity. Readers are left, above all, with a sense of the deep love between Van Gogh and his brother, and a sympathy for the painter's anguished life. The numerous reproductions are all in full color; in some instances, the color is poor, but this is a minor flaw, given the quality of book design in other respects. This is more complete than Raboff's Vincent Van Gogh (Lippincott, 1988), and more respectful and serious than Venezia's cartoon-studded biography for younger readers (Childrens, 1988). Lucas's skillful writing will help children appreciate Van Gogh's work, as well as understand his importance as an artist. --Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. Read more
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