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Van Gogh's Ear
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  • Published: 31 July 2017
  • ISBN: 9781784702229
  • Imprint: Vintage
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $42.00

Van Gogh's Ear

The True Story

Formats & editions
EBook
12 July 2016
Audiobook
12 July 2016
Paperback
31 July 2017
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Why did Vincent van Gogh cut off his ear? This compelling detective story reveals the truth about the art world's greatest mystery

In December 1888, Vincent van Gogh cut off his ear. It is the most famous story about any artist in history. But what really happened on that dark winter night?

In Van Gogh's Ear, Bernadette Murphy reveals the truth. She takes us on an extraordinary journey from major museums to forgotten archives, vividly reconstructing Van Gogh's world. We meet police inspectors and café patrons, prostitutes and madams, his beloved brother Theo and fellow painter Paul Gauguin.

Why did Van Gogh commit such a brutal act? Who was the mysterious 'Rachel' to whom he presented his macabre gift? Did he really remove his entire ear? Murphy answers these important questions with her groundbreaking discoveries, offering a stunning portrait of an artist edging towards madness in his pursuit of excellence.

BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK
PRIMETIME BBC2 DOCUMENTARY WITH JEREMY PAXMAN
  • Published: 31 July 2017
  • ISBN: 9781784702229
  • Imprint: Vintage
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $42.00
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About the author

Bernadette Murphy

Bernadette Murphy was born and brought up in the UK. She has lived in the south of France for most of her adult life and worked in many different fields. A series of chance events led her to start investigating the life of Van Gogh in Arles, but little did she know at the time quite what an exciting adventure it would turn out to be. Van Gogh’s Ear is her first book.

portrait photo of Bernadette Murphy

Praise for Van Gogh's Ear

The results of her [Murphy's] tireless research to us reveals, too, a fascinating picture of life in the 19th-century Province... Murphy is terrier-like in her pursuit of the facts... and didn't stop digging until she'd found the whole story

Fortean Times