Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo

The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo
The Agony and the Ecstasy A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo
Author: Irving Stone
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
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

13 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

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!
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 + 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 + 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 + 3 more book reviews
Must read if you are planning a trip to Tuscany or Michelangelo's Italy. A historical novel that brings to life the art and architecture to be found on every Florence street corner.
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.....
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!
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.
katknit avatar reviewed The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo on + 355 more book reviews
not bad as a novel, but outdated in factual terms - mant errors and omissions concerning the real, not the idealized, Michelangelo.
reviewed The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo on + 39 more book reviews
The biographical novel of Michelangelo
grammyteach avatar reviewed The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo on + 192 more book reviews
great classic novel