Customer Reviews
Very interesting read. A real page-turner! - By: Gabz Girl, 14 Sep 2008 
I read this when I was working on a project at college for my Art & Design course. I was basicallly researching Van Gogh's work & life, & I had even seen both Vincent & Theo & Lust for Life. I had also heard about this book which many said was a brilliant read. I saw it in Waterstones, so I quickly bought it.
To be honest I couldn't put this book down. There were many interesting things in it that even I didn't know, & I even started reading this book not only at college, but even at home! Like many have mentioned here though, the only downside would be that the paintings shown in the book are not in colour. Then again, I can always look them up on the internet.
So yeah, definitely get this book if you're interested in Van Gogh, Gauguin or both.
A great read - By: Caitlin G, 19 Mar 2008 I do agree with the comments above re the pics, BUT it is so well written & engaging, it almost doesn't matter. It makes the research into the pics a bit more laborious but keeps you engaged with the book even when not reading it. An excellent book for biog & art lovers alike.
Publishing faux pas - By: London SW18, 24 Aug 2007 
Given that so much of this story is based around discussion & use of colour, the lack of colour reprints of alll paintings thoroughly compromised the reading. A huge faux pas on the publisher's part. Can't think the author was very happy with the decision!
What a shame - By: The Prof, 21 Mar 2007 
What a shame that this book does not have prints of the paintings! It's a wonderful story, told supremely well, but I found myself struggling with the, frankly, pathetic illustrations most of which are so useless that they might as well not have been included. Monochrome illustrations of paintings that rely on colour for their impact - what was the author (or, more likely, his publisher) thinking of? Please Mr Gayford bring out a version with colour plates & I for one will buy it again!!
The Yellow House - By: John Dismore, 21 Apr 2006 An excellent read with an insight not only into what transpired between Van Gogh & Gauguin in the nine weeks covered by the story but also into the relationships with many other contemporary artists & the art world. Difficult to put down.
BUT, the illustrations are useless as you cannot begin to see what these artists were doing by looking at not very good grey illustrations. Fortunately I have books containing colour reproductions of many of the VanGogh & Gauguin paintings. I recommend any reader to supplement the text in this way.
