The universal appeal of Vincent's paintings and drawings, those that are little known as well as those familiar and much loved images, is enhanced by his own account of his life and thought contained in his letters. In quantity and quality of writing they are unique among those of great artists. Most were written to Theo - his brother, patron and anchor and to him we owe an enormous debt for encouraging, supporting and preserving the writings and works of a troubled genius who, in a tragically brief ten years, progressed to a climax of highly original and productive creativity.

This selection of extracts from the letters and more than 230 paintings and drawings - many reproduced for the first time - has been designed for all lovers of Vincent's work. It will appeal equally to those who are familiar with it and his life and who no longer need biographical or analytical texts to complete their enjoyment of the pictures as well as to the many with less knowledge who feel no less intensely the power of his art.