A beautiful book though strangely organized and awkwardly written traces Van Gogh from his childhood in Holland through his suicide in Auvers-sur-Oise.  In reverse order, we are treated to some beautiful photographs from Paris, Arles, St. Remy, and Auvers accompanied by Van Gogh paintings and excerpts from his letters to his brother, Theo one of which was written on the day of his death on July 29, 1890 at the age of 37.  Van Gogh’s frustrations as an art dealer and then preacher which took him to London gradually fade as he begins to achieve his artistic goals.  What was likely severe bipolar disorder, however, leads to his ear episode in Arles after Gauguin decides to leave the yellow house and finally his suicide by shooting in Auvers.  Along the way we meet and see the paintings of Madame Ginoux, the postmaster, and Pere Tangay as well as a variety of self-portraits.  The awkward language is likely due to translation.  Good intro to VVG.