The Vincent van Gogh Atlas

Some years ago, on a visit to Amsterdam, my family and I visited the van Gogh Museum, a fascinating place. I just wish we had had a copy of this fascinating book to help us better understand the man, his life and work. Aimed at children of 9 upwards, this Junior Edition of the atlas starts with a clear contents which links drawings of the places he lived to his age and the page numbers where the information can be found, making it easy to navigate.

Each chapter covers part of his life, taking the reader from Z (Zundert where he was born) to A (Auvers-sur-Oise where he died) and is clearly illustrated with photographs, documents, sketches and maps. There are also colour illustrations dotted throughout, adding much to Vincent’s story which is told in a very accessible, chatty way.

This very attractive and informative book is easy to dip in and out of, useful for anyone interested in the man or his work. The ups and downs of his life, including his illness and ultimately his suicide, are all documented as part of the journey of his life. Useful for school and home alike, it is a fascinating read about a fascinating man.

The Vincent van Gogh Junior Edition

Nienke Denekamp and Rene van Blerk,

illustrated by Geert Gratama

Translated by Laura Watkinson

Rubinstein van Gogh Museum ISBN: 978-9047630135