The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo Mass Market Paperback – International Edition, March 3, 1987

This book depicts one of the most fascinating eras in human history and makes us feel as if we are there.All that unique period of the Reneaissance,- the glorious time of "Rebirth",- about 500 years ago, just when Columbus discovered America,- reviving the classical visual arts of ancient Greece and Rome,- with its most outstanding artists as well as highest-ranked religious persons,- popes, monks, rebels, and also military leaders and kings,- is painted on a vast canvas in front of the flabbergasted reader, providing a panorama of southern Europe at that time,- teaching him also about the daily life in Italy, its special foods, its dresses, its professions, its customs, its views, its architecture, its proverbs.The English is classical yet clear and flowing.The characters come alive through witty descriptions, the author also provides many facts about the beaux arts,- about marble, frescoes, painting, enlarging, perspectives, stone-cutting, sculpting,- all that as if by the way, without imposing and without becoming too scholarly, though he'd researched those subjects for years.One discovers the secret religious, artisctic and psychological codes that lie behind each masterpiece, seeing them with refreshed opened eyes even after having known them for years from albums and classes.The presumptuous tiitle is correct, indeed, emphasizing the agony but mostly the ecstasy of the artist, filling such lofty words with true meaning, connecting earth and heaven, being highly instructive yet colorful, dramatic, balanced.And above all towers the wonderful man, Michelangelo, whose struggles become exemplary.By depicting the masterpiseces of this creator of the most famous sculptures in the world,- the giant "David", the radiating "Moses", the heart-rending "Pieta",- the author Irving Stone (Stone!- What a fortunate "coincidence"!) created his own great masterpiece, touching the vary origins of life,- the rock from which we cut out our civilization,- our cities and houses,- with raw passion, tender love, and eternal faith.I'd already read the book once, but had to purchase it so I could have it at home with me in my possession, and read it again and again, enjoying every moment. Highly recommanded, from every aspect!!!! Also a great gift for everyone who strives to pave his own individual way in life notwithstanding its dangers and disappoinmtments.

I originally purchased this book out of curiosity. I wanted to learn about and study a genius' life. A lover of art and design, I was naturally drawn to Michelangelo. After a substantial research on the best biographies based on his life and work, I was more than convinced that this book was it. And it didn't disappoint me at all!I had never been to Italy when I started reading. A few months later, my sister and I planned a weekend in Europe, and partly because of this book, I convinced my sister we had to spend a weekend in Rome. Shortly after, I spent a week in Florence, and it was the very first time I felt like an informed tourist, knowing what I was marveling at.The Agony and the Ecstasy is a novel-like biography of Michelangelo intertwined with historical accounts and facts about his life. It is written in such a way you won't want to put the book down. I felt like I lived inside Michelangelo's head; like I really got to know his person, simultaneously studying art and design history. It's set during the Italian Renaissance, and Michelangelo was a central figure of that glorious period. The book is filled with information. So far, it is the most substantial book I've read, and it's the first time I've taken my time reviewing a book.The book is by no means an easy read; It took me weeks to finish. In fact, when I first bought it, I had to set it aside before I made it halfway, and I had to re-read it from the start. As I read the last pages, my heart ached as Michelangelo was getting weaker and weaker. It was quite an experience feeling like I lived side by side such a genius. All the masterpieces he forged during his life—just wow!This book has sparked a deeper interest in me for art and design, and now for a newfound love: sculpture.Thank you, Irving Stone, for this masterpiece of a book. ''♥︎

Stone took 6 years to research on his biography of Michelangelo. By the end of the book one can only marvel at the tremendous effort Stone undertook. "Agony and Ecstasy" is truly an absorbing and inspiring tale of the greatest genius in art history. Michelangelo's magnificence in sculpture, painting, architecture and poems is compellingly told. The best parts of the novel are the creations of each sculpture, Michelangelo's greatest love. Michelangelo's intensity and passion as he chisels and hammers away on his beloved marbles is vividly written and deeply moving. His rivalry with Raphael and Da Vinci, his struggles with his family, the Popes, the Medici family, his contemporaries and the tumultuous era he lived in are convincing and underlay with sadness. Certain aspects of his life are poignant and heart wrenching - the years wasted quarrying marbles never used, his unsavoury father who only wants money from him and of course the uncompleted Julius II Tomb which haunts him till the later years of his life. By the end of the book, one can only love this titanic genius for his awesome and fearsome talents, which could only be God given, his perseverance, his obsession and passion. The three Pietas, The David, the Madonna and Child in Bruges, Sistine Chapel Vault, Night, Day, Dusk, Dawn, The Last Judgement, St Peter's Dome....Michelangelo is no longer just the creator of these soul stirring, colossal and exalted art works. Stone has given this great genius who lived 500 years ago flesh and blood. Michelangelo is a man driven by his transcendent powers in art, evoking awe, reverence, love and sympathy from us.

The best book about the life and work of Michelangelo. Detailed, creative and excellent narrative. Indeed, agony and ecstasy! Good read.