As of October 28, 2022, books as NFTs are just beginning to become popular. This particular NFT represents a possible ‘cover’ for the historical fiction novel, ‘Van Gogh in Paris - a tale of Love, Art and Anarchy’. The artwork represents a few of the images used to illustrate the story, but its real value is in the attached text which contains the first 27 pages of the book (USA version) viewable only to the owner of the NFT and also, as it is not encrypted, may be shared with whomever the owner wishes.

The idea for the book came from reading a recent biography of Vincent Van Gogh. Surprisingly, much is known about his life because of the prodigious number of letters he wrote. Over 900 of them still exist. The one time period we don’t know much about were the years 1886 to 1888. The reason for this is that most of his letters were written to his brother Theo, and as they were living together at this time, there was no need to write to each other.

This break in correspondence is unfortunate for two reasons. We are denied Vincent’s self-description as to how he went from being a run-of-the-mill country artist to a creative genius, and his comments about his new acquaintances would have been priceless.

A few of his new acquaintances: • artist/bon vivant Toulouse-Lautrec • model/cafe manager Agostina Segatori • Australian engineer/artist/boxer John Peter Russell • model/painter Marie Valadon • art critic/Anarchist Felix Feneon

Add to this, the world was in turmoil from the effects of the Industrial Revolution with thousands joining the Anarchist movement, and the story takes place in one of the most exotic places that ever existed, the Parisian suburb of Montmartre. It’s easy to see why the author was inspired to write about it.

This well-researched book presents a heretofore unheard story told in a unique blend of narrative, prose, and dialogue. Most agree, it is a good read with some giving embarrassingly good reviews. ...transcends the limit of historical fiction, 5 out of 5 stars, etc.

ⓒ 2022 J R Adams. All images are public domain per Wikimedia commons.