Sue Prideaux's Wild Thing is a comprehensive biography of Paul Gauguin, exploring the artist's tumultuous life, his revolutionary paintings, and his problematic legacy. Through meticulous research, Prideaux examines Gauguin's abandonment of family, his exploitation of Tahitian women and girls, and his artistic genius, refusing to separate the art from the man. The biography becomes a reckoning with how we evaluate artists whose personal behavior contradicts their creative achievements.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Prideaux refuses to romanticize Gauguin's cruelty in service of his art. This biography reminds us that genius doesn't excuse harm, and that we can acknowledge artistic achievement while condemning the person who created it, holding both truths at once.

DETAILS: • Author: Sue Prideaux • Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company • Format: Hardcover • Publication Date: May 13, 2025 • ISBN: 9781324020424 • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days