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Summary: Agony and Ecstasy...awesome book
Review: Stone has done a great job with this book. His descriptions of Michelangelo's works makes me wish i was standing in front of some of them once again. You can never get the full feel of the Sistine with out standing with 250 other people all looking at the magnificent work above and in front of you. You should definately get this book for a smidgen of the history of italy and an amazing amount of history of Michelangelo.
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Summary: Excellent!
Review: Being an architecture sudent, it's only natural that I have a great interest in history of art and its greatest expoents. Of course, everybody knows (I think) that Michelangelo was a master of all arts, not only painting, but also (and mainly) sculpture, not to mention poetry, architecture and civil engineering. There are lots of books with Michelangelo as main subject, but rarely these books are fictional. I like books of fiction concerning real historic events or people. When I found out about "Agony and ecstasy", and read the reviews at Amazon.com stating it was a great book, I raced to buy this book. I read in one of the reviews that Irving Stone does with people what Michener does with places. It's entirely true. With the difference that, when the main subject is a person, the author can develop the character as long as he wants, and Stone does that wonderfuly, with a depth that you don't find in every book. "Agony and ecstasy" is as turbulent and emotional as Michelangelo. Through its pages, the reader goes from the early years of the artist, his struggles to receive money and acknowledgment for his works, the passion he had for art in general and sculpture in particular. Michelangelo is one of the greatest men that ever lived. Stone narrates his life with the help of each work he has conceived, from the comissions he got, through the effort to create subjects with different yet meaningful purposes. What is best, in this book Irving Stone has re-created not only Michelangelo's life, but also the political and religious environment of Europe and, particularly Italy. Besides Michelangelo, some other characters in "Agony and ecstasy" are: Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, the architect Bramante, the painters Giotto, Tiziano, the popes Julius II (among many other popes), Lorenzo di Medici, and many other historic characters. We can see that the author is concerned in creating an authentic and correct work, because after the conclusion of the story, there's a bibliography concerning not only Michelangelo, but also many books about Europe, Italy, Florene and Rome in the XVI century, history of the popes, and many others. This is a great book for everybody interested in serious subjects, specially for those who like historical and artistical ones. Almost perfect. Grade 9.6/10
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Summary: A literary masterpiece
Review: First of all, this book was an excellent read. While living in Italy for a semester, I read this book several times, both before and after seeing the works of the genius. The book is very enticing and, I imagine, could be enjoyed by anyone, but I would say that it's indispensable for anyone studying the master's work or taking a trip to Italy (as no trip would be complete without seeing at least some of his works). It describes the great struggle of his life in gripping detail, and gives insight into most of his well-known pieces. Eloquent, compelling, and thoroughly entertaining, I highly recommend this book.
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Summary: Better than a travel guide!
Review: I brought this book with me to Italy and began reading it after touring Florence (Michelangelo's hometown)and Rome. It put so much of the art I had seen in perspective. Michelangelo's teachers and contemporaries, his Medici patrons, and his Papal adversaries all appear, and make this a pleasant learning experience, and add a pleasant operatic drama to the book.
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Summary: pleasure and euphoria
Review: A great read, this book depicts MichelAngelo's passion for sculpture and his struggle with the many popes who made him do their bidding, rather than let him create sculpture.
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Summary: What it takes to be an artist
Review: I purchased this book a couple of years ago in Milan, Italy. Due to various reasons I only started reading it after a visit to Florence last year. During that visit I bought a number of photo-books on Michelangelo. Though the pictures in those books where splendid, the texts did not convey any feeling about the life of the artist. "The Agony and the Ecstasy" does. From cover to cover it is a well researched book giving insights in the historical backgrounds and the thinking and feeling of one of the most important artists ever. Advised to anybody who is interested in the mental aspects of being an artists. And while you are at it, try to have a look at the artists' work as well ...
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Summary: His Legacy Lives On
Review: When I read this biographical novel, I became so focused upon this story, because the author is so good at drawing you in. And I must say that at the close of this book, I was so enthralled, that when Michelangelo died I said, "No! You can't go now! You have work to finish!" Like some other reviewers, I also read this beautiful biography many years after having lived in Italy for 3 years, while in the army. But luckily, while there, I did appreciate the art and I became fluent in Italian. Read this book to appreciate someone's commitment to do what he was meant to do, regardless of the world events, politics, competition, or community excitement. Michelangelo died leaving the dome and other great works of art unfinished, that were completed by others, later, all of which still stand several hundred years later.
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Summary: A MUST before travel to Florence or Rome
Review: I am so sorry that I discovered this novel after visiting Florence, but thankful I read it before travelling to Rome. Fabulous insider information regarding the personal life and political time of Michelangelo. Entertaining and helpful for making the experience of travel and art appreciation in Italy even better. Gripping and revealing storyline, and the best part is that it's true!
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Summary: Amazing!
Review: This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read. I could not put it down and was had to tear myself away at night to go to bed. You feel as though you completely know Michelangelo within the first few pages! The fact that it relies so heavily on facts and research only makes it that much better! I cannot wait to go to Italy and see all these magnificent pieces of art!! Despite the fact that it was mentally and emotionally exhausting-because you become so involved in the "Agony & Ecstasy" of Michelangelo's work-it will be one that I read again and again!!
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Summary: The best book ever (about the best artist ever...)
Review: I think it's a beautiful book, written very well and just couldn't stop read it till its end. Although I know Michelangelo has died 438 years ago, I cried when I reached that part. I strongly recommend any art fan to read it.
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