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The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo
The Agony and the Ecstasy A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo
Author: Irving Stone
Celebrating the 500th anniversary of Michelangelo's David, New American Library releases a special edition of Irving Stone's classic biographical novel-in which both the artist and the man are brought to life in full. A masterpiece in its own right, this novel offers a compelling portrait of Michelangelo's dangerous, impassioned loves, and the G...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780451159472
ISBN-10: 0451159470
Publication Date: 3/3/1987
Pages: 776
Rating:
  • Currently 4.6/5 Stars.
 7

4.6 stars, based on 7 ratings
Publisher: Signet
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

Shervivor avatar reviewed The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo on + 97 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
This is my favorite novel of all time! I have been an avid reader of novels for 28 years, so that is quite the compliment. As I was reading I felt like I had come to know Michelangelo, the man, on a personal level. The way Stone described Michelango carving made me want to pick up a piece of marble and give carving a whirl. I can't imagine the research that went into producing this book. This is a very long novel and if you have no interest in history, Italy or art it may be difficult to get through. But because I love this book so much it would be very hard for me to comprehend that not everyone would love it as much as I do. If you have any interest in reading historical fiction The Agony and the Ecstasy is a must read!
kiwiprincess avatar reviewed The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Well written and absorbing! I loved the historical detail in this book! Irving managed to make the characters come alive yet still maintained historical integrity.

Enough to keep you fascinated til the last page!
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jeffp avatar reviewed The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo on + 201 more book reviews
It's been months since I had the time for any reading. In fact, I was nearly finished with The Agony and the Ecstasy when the job started, and though I finished it shortly thereafter it has been a long time since I've posted here, so this review is long overdue.

All I can do now is recommend this book highly, particularly if you're a student of the arts or an artist.

Stone's research is good, and though I cannot tell you where he veered into fiction, I can tell you that I enjoyed this work a lot.

Michaelangelo is one of my favorites, and an inspiration to me as a sculptor. I learned a lot about him and his time from this book, and highly recommend it.
reviewed The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo on + 5 more book reviews
I was familiar with this book but then saw the title on the discussion page as an all time favorite. I would agree. Very readable! It puts Michaelangelo in a time period, a church period, and artist period. Although fiction,the book is a wonderful background for Italy, Tuscany, Florence and Rome.
reviewed The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo on + 117 more book reviews
A classic! I read it the first time I traveled to Florence; a great accompaniment
reviewed The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo on + 9 more book reviews
I never did finish this, but enjoyed the first half at least.
reviewed The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo on + 4 more book reviews
Loved this book. Rich in detail and well written.
reviewed The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo on + 9 more book reviews
Fascinating book about Michelangelo's life, and the events of his time. Made a trip to Italy come alive!
yankeechick avatar reviewed The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo on + 12 more book reviews
One of my all time favorite books. Too bad I picked it up after my trip to Italy. Makes me want to go back.....


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