This is a good introduction to van Gogh’s life and works, presented in the ‘Masterpieces of Art’ series that I have so enjoyed with other artists. I learned a little less in the case of van Gogh but it would be unfair to knock the book down because of it, and the format of a 28 page introduction followed by 90 pages of full page art again works well here. You’ll see the classics which I scarcely need mention, but also works that are in private hands, such as the stunning ‘Half Figure of an Angel (After Rembrandt)’, 1889. You may smile at those you’ve seen in museums in various places in the world, be moved at van Gogh’s vibrancy and depth of feeling, and be sad in comparing his own self-portrait from 1889 with the portrait he drew of Dr. Felix Rey in the same year. Fittingly, the collection ends with his last work, ‘Wheatfield with Crows’, 1890, which is one of the most haunting and melancholy paintings I’ve ever seen. Celebrate the man, and remember him if you happen to see a poor artist on the street. ( )

Not a very large or thick book, but the selection of paintings is just about perfect. And the color reproduction is vibrant and eye-catching. I have several Van Gogh books, but for $7 this little powerhouse is hard to beat.