First Impressions: Paul Gauguin

By Howard Greenfeld

A book on post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin (1848-1903), written especially for young readers. The author tells the story of Gauguin's life and work in a style which should appeal to those encountering the artist for the first time. The reader learns how Gauguin, a successful Paris stockbroker, left his family to sail off to Tahiti on an artistic quest that produced some of the late 19th century's most beautiful and original paintings. Greenfeld conveys a strong sense of Gauguin's personality and leaves the reader with an understanding of his struggle to become an artist of significance.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810933764
• ISBN13: 9780810933767
• Release Date: September 1993
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
• Length: 92 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.5" x 0.5" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Paul Gauguin (First Impressions)

After reading W. Sumerset Maugham's `The Moon and Sixpence' said to have been based on the life of Paul Gauguin, (can someone tell me why that title?), I decided to read a Gauguin's biography just to see exactly what is meant by "Based on the life of..." means. So naturally I went to the library; free. I checked out Howard Green's book: "Paul Gauguin (First Impressions)"; what luck, it was the only one on the shelf. It is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read and the art work reproduction and colors are just glorious and I am now so turned onto Gauguin's painting and just have to have a copy of this book for my own. The book is wonderfully written and portrays Paul Gauguin as not a very pleasant man, as did Maugham. But how do you separate the Man from his art or his body of work; and should you? What drives someone to dedicate his life to painting and abandon his responsibilities, his children? He's dead now and I can love his art and dislike the man; perhaps great art only comes from great suffering. Can't wait till my copy arrives.