Suche books:   





Lust for Life
Irving Stone

Plume, 1984 - 512 pages

average customer review:based on 46 reviews
view larger image
 for more information click here

   highly recommended  highly recommended






Excellent Read

I found this book to be very inspiring. Van Gogh's life makes the average person's everyday life seem completely bland and uninspired. With little to no support or guidance from the outside world save for the financial backing of his brother Theo, Vincent continued to pursue his craft of painting with unparalleled fervor. In short, there was nothing that would stop Van Gogh from doing what he had to do-paint. In his personal life, Vincent comes across as almost a christlike figure by exhibiting a profound and deap love for humanity. Coming into the book I had no appreciation for the complexity of Vincent's life. After having read the book I feel as if I am only drifting through life with little regard for the consequences. I have no idea how accurate a portrayal this is and really don't care. Regardless, the book is a great read.


 for more information click here


The standard by which all Van Gogh biographies are measured.

Lust For Life, first penned by Irving Stone over 60 years ago, still stands out as the definitive biography of Van Gogh despite all the years that have since brought us new books on this man and his art.

One little-known fact about this book is that in researching it back then, Stone was able to interview people who were acquaintances of Van Gogh, including his red-headed friend in Auvers, Dr. Gachet, who also sat for several of his portraits. This alone adds an authenticity to this work which subsequent bios find it tough to equal.

Last summer I vacationed in France, and made a point of visiting several of Vincent's haunts, including Arles, St. Remy and Auvers. I will always remember the bittersweet sight of his grave on the lonely hill above Auvers where Vincent lies next to his beloved brother Theo. Having just read Lust For Life added immeasurably to my experience and understanding of the man and his remarkable, albeit brief, life.


 for more information click here









 for more information click here


a must read

This was probably the most spellbinding book I've ever read. From the moment Vincent arrived at the Barinage, I became absored completely in the story of this man and couldn't put the book down. The 500 pages that span a 10 year period are dense with some of the best story telling I've seen, of a life that was truly fascinating.






The Woe of Van Gogh

Irving Stone, a pioneer of the biographical fiction genre has produced a solid work. Depictions of Van Gogh's obsession with his art as well as depictions of the artistic personalities of the time including Toulouse-Latrec, Cezanne and Gaugin are flawless; the trite love affairs and his spiraling descent into madness are not as detailed or compelling. Still, if you love the art world, I would recommend this book.


 for more information click here


reviews: 1, 2, 3, page 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10



hot or not?    What's your opinion?     Write a review and share your thoughts!



recommendations

Redwingchick's Favorite Books To Read Over and Over!
Books that touched me...in many ways.
Books I Have Read in My Lifetime 20
Recent Books 1
Art Novels




search for books
lust for life, life, lust


Impressum / about us


Suche books: