1930. Van Loon gives us the thrilling story of the great artist whose famous signature R.V.R. on any picture makes it priceless. He tells about the son of a Dutch miller who rose to fame, who tasted the fruits of success and prosperity and sank to the trials of bankruptcy and utter want. A lavish spender, a generous giver, a constant friend to all in need, he found himself alone when he needed friends most. Six drunken grave diggers lowered his cheap coffin into the earth. The book is full of high spirit, eager thinking, laughter, scorn, reason, kindness, observation, shrewdness, courage, love of adventure, confidence in processes of the mind, and interest in the methods of the heart.