Van Gogh, Arles, Murder

About the Book

Beginning with his arrival in Arles in March 1888, a combination of factual and fictitious events relating to Vincent Van Gogh are revealed while the Dutchman goes about creating timeless works of art. A number of drawings and paintings of previously unknown locals are finally afforded names and backgrounds. Prominent amongst these is a portrait of a young girl to whom the artist is especially attracted. When she is found murdered, suspicion falls on Van Gogh. Harassed by both a tireless police inspector and a majority of the citizens of Arles, the painter descends into the madness and despair, culminating in his slicing off part of an ear while remaining sufficiently lucid to identify - and paint - the man he suspects of the crime. Circumstances and characters pertaining to the murder define aspects of Van Gogh’s personality, as well as portraying a way of life in nineteenth century France remarkably similar to present day problems in the USA.

About the Author

Maurice Beale was born in Brooklyn, New York. He was raised in New Rochelle, New York from 1941 to 1955. He attained a BA from Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont (1955 – 1959). He then spent 10 years traveling, mainly in Europe with stops in New York, Los Angeles and Mexico. From 1969 to 1999 he was professional poker player residing in and playing exclusively in Paris, France. And then, from 1999 to 2005 he lived in Key Biscayne, Florida. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.