Van Gogh's Ear

So as the old story goes, Van Gogh chopped off his ear in a fit of madness and mailed it to a lover, forever solidifying his reputation as insane...and a genius. Well word comes out today, through a new book, that Van Gogh's ear may have been chopped off by his friend, and roommate at the time, Paul Gauguin, in a fit of rage. The new book claims Gauguin chopped it off with a sword during an argument, and for practical reason (Van Gogh to enhance his reputation, Gauguin to keep himself out of jail) both agreed to keep the truth a secret and begin a hoax that has lived on for more than 100 years.