This is a nonfictional accounting that reads like a novel, compelling and full of illuminating writing. It was one of our group's best book club discussions in the nonfiction category. Ross King's version recounts the four extraordinary years Michelangelo spent laboring over the vast ceiling in the Sistine Chapel while the power politics and personal rivalries that abounded in Rome swirled around him. A panorama of illustrious figures converged around the creation of this magnificent work - from the Dutch scholar Erasmus to the young Martin Luther - and Ross King skillfully weaves them through his compelling historical narrative, offering uncommon insight into the intersection of art and history. Read this, then rent "The Agony and the Ecstasy" (starring Charlton Heston) for a truly unforgettable journey into art history.

Excellent narrative and history of Michelangelo's struggles and triumph in painting the Sistine Chapel. A well written, detailed account of the interplay between Raphael, Michelangelo and Pope Julius II.

A wonderful book. In 1508, despite strong advice to the contrary, the powerful Pope Julius II commissioned Michaelangelo to paint the ceiling of the newly restored Sistine Chapel. With little experience as a painter (though famed for his sculpture David, Michaelangelo was reluctant to begin the massive project.
Michaelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling recounts the four extraordinary years he spent laboring over the vast ceiling while the power politics and personal rivalries that abounded in Rome swirled around him. Battling against ill health, financial difficulties, domestic problems, the pope's impatience, and a bitter rivalry with the brilliant young painter Raphael, Michaelangelo created scenes so beautiful that they are considered to be among the greatest masterpieces of all time. A panorama of illustrious figures converged around the creation of this magnificent work-from the great Dutch scholar Erasmus to the young Martin Luther-and Ross King skillfully weaves them through his compelling historical narrative, offering uncommon insight into the intersection of art and history.

This one was okay. It certainly didn't read like a novel, as promised in many amazon reviews. It could have used more broad historical context. The author really concentrated on Michelangelo, which makes sense, given the title and intention of the book, but I think a little more general history would have been great.

Wow! The history lesson on the Sistine Chapel contained in this book is amazing. Ross King also informs the reader about many different historical events happening in the world at the time Michelangelo paints the ceiling. I want to go to Rome now and stare at the ceiling!

An account so fascinating you forget it is history. My only regret is there are not enough reproductions of the Sistine Chapel in the book and those that are are way too small. That's a minor quibble. A great read.
Suggest you find more pictures of the Sistine Chapel while/after you read this book.

I really enjoyed this book, and found it so easy to read for Non-Fiction! I wanted to understand more about the Sistine Chapel before my trip to Italy next month, and this book really has me excited to see it now. It follows Michelangelo's journey throughout the 4+ years that he painted the chapel of the Vatican, along with Pope Julius' story and the conflicts that Rome undergoes.

The novel walks through in a timeline the creation of each of the main sections of the chapel, and it's amazing to see how Michelangelo's art changes as he learns and grows, and as the Julius' conflicts impact him. This was the first fresco that Michelangelo had ever been commissioned to paint; previously he had focused on engraving (he had just completed David). Initially, Julius had hired him to build his tomb out of marble, and then changed his mind and forced him to do the Sistine Chapel, which he was not at all interested in doing. He never got over his disappointment and anger at Julius for this, even though the Sistine Chapel ended up being what he was best known for. It was also interesting to read about the competiveness between the artists of that time, especially Michelangelo, Leondardo da Vinci, and Raphael.

The center section of the book has great pictures and outlines that I found myself referring back to as Ross King discusses the creation of each section of the Sistine Chapel. If you're at all interested in art or this time period (or plan to visit the Sistine Chapel), I'd definitely recommend this book.

lots of important history
at the same time well written & interesting

Great novel!

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a quick and easy read of very interesting times

Another great historical fiction novel. Great book for those who love both art and history.

Never finished it. Too long and too many names!

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