{"title":"Barbara Stok","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBarbara Stok\u003c\/strong\u003e crafts graphic novels that blend poignant storytelling with distinctive visuals, immersing readers in intimate and reflective narratives. Her work often explores personal journeys and complex relationships, delivered with a thoughtful, unpretentious style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom contemplations on everyday life to nuanced character studies, Stok’s books invite readers to engage with subtle emotional depth and quiet moments of insight. Her stories are perfect for those who appreciate graphic novels that balance artful illustration with meaningful content.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-philosopher-the-dog-and-the-wedding-by-barbara-stok-9781914224096","title":"The Philosopher, the Dog and the Wedding","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is the 4th century BC in Greece. Hipparchia is about to marry the rich son of a family friend when she meets Crates. As the marriage approaches, Hipparchia becomes more and more captivated by the views and way of life of this strange philosopher who lives like a wanderer. Gradually, she starts to realize that the safe, comfortable life of luxury that has been mapped out for her is actually a life of emptiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Philosopher, the Dog and the Wedding\u003c\/em\u003e shows us that the insights from thousands of years ago are still relevant today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrates and Hipparchia were part of the cynical philosophy. In ancient Athens, the Cynics formed a provocative movement against all conventional values. One of their fundamental principles was that we can only attain true happiness if we are independent of material possessions and social position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHipparchia was a strong woman who had the courage to live by her own ideals, despite all the prevailing beliefs of her time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Thames and Hudson (Australia) Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47363134652652,"sku":"9781914224096","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/14909453482869.jpg?v=1772916581"},{"product_id":"vincent-by-barbara-stok-9781906838799","title":"Vincent","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis graphic biography documents the brief and intense period of creativity Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) spent in Arles, Provence, in southern France. Here van Gogh dreams of setting up an artists' studio - a haven where he and his friends can paint together. But attacks of mental illness leave the painter confused and disoriented. When his friend and fellow artist Paul Gauguin refuses to reside permanently at the Yellow House, a distraught van Gogh cuts off part of his own ear. Throughout this period of intense emotion and hardship, Vincent's brother Theo stands by him, offering constant and unconditional support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWriter and illustrator Barbara Stok breathes riveting new life into a fascinating episode of art history, creating a vivid portrait of one of the world's most beloved and legendary artists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eVincent\u003c\/em\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Stylistically, Stok is almost faultless... \u003cem\u003eVincent\u003c\/em\u003e leaves us aware of a small breath of fresh air blown into the world of art history\"\u003c\/em\u003e - The Times Literary Supplement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Stok does a brilliant, sympathetic job of picturing the artist, whether jagged with madness or sitting amid the wheat fields and sunflowers of Arles\"\u003c\/em\u003e - The Guardian\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Thames and Hudson (Australia) Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47455869763820,"sku":"9781906838799","price":35.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781906838799.jpg?v=1774863135"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/barbara-stok.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}