13 October 2004
Amstelkerk

'USA Travel Journalist of the Year 2004' and former long-serving editor of Holland Herald, Ken Wilkie will be giving a talk on his recently-released The Van Gogh File. The fascinating – and occasionally controversial – book documents the Scottish writer's journey as he set out from Amsterdam in the early 1970s, commissioned by Holland Herald to write a story on Vincent Van Gogh. The assignment turned into a journey, spanning four decades, which uncovered some fascinating new insights into the life of the enigmatic artist: Wilkie discovered the identity of Van Gogh's first love, the home they shared in Brixton, London; the disease that lead to the deaths of both Vincent and his brother Theo; and his possible grandchildren who had no idea they could be related to Van Gogh...

Reservations can be made via www.britlit.info and tickets paid for on the night at the Amstelkerk or bought online here They are also available in advance from Waterstone's Bookseller's (Kalverstraat 152, Amsterdam).

This event has been organised by BritLit (British Literature) in collaboration with Souvenir Press (London) and Waterstone's Booksellers (Amsterdam).

The venue, Amstelkerk, is a charming white wooden church built in 1668-1670 and where Napoleon's brother once stabled his horses. It is a brisk 20-minute walk from Centraal Station but you'd be better off taking Tram 4 to the Utrechtsestraat (Prinsengracht stop). Alternatively Tram 6, 7, 10 run along the nearby Sarphatistraat.

More info about the book here www.bbc.co.uk