Richard Muhlberger

This book, ostensibly for children, is absolutely worthwhile for adults as well. It does several things at once while maintaining a coherent goal. It tells Van Gogh's biography, as it looks at how and why his paintings look like they do. The book is beautifully illustrated with each painting carefully chosen to be both example and explanation. Each picture is important for the understanding of his life and work. Some of the less savory facts about his life is not brought up as this work is geared for younger kids, but it does not completely leave his depression unmentioned. In the end it provides a succinct, but engaging introduction and overview of an amazing artist's work and why his work is so fascinating.… (more)